And Rickard, who has over 100 international caps to her name as a winger or full-back, is not yet guaranteed her position in the 26-strong squad and must compete to be included as a second row.

Explaining his positioning decision, Lewis said: “Lou and I have spoken. Competition in the back three has grown steadily over the last year or so. She still remains a very good rugby player. It's just about where in the team can she be accommodated, if at all.

"She's always been a very fit individual. She has the mental fitness without question, she is very powerful, but can she jump? We need to find out and if she can she could find a place in the second row."

On leaving three places open, he said: "The thought process behind that is that we think there are 23 definites who showed through their performances recently they are worthy of their place.

"There are six players who have to continue to show us they are worthy of a place - so it's up to those six players to put their hands up to gain one of the two places."

Co-skipper Mel Berry, who will share captaincy duties with Jamie Kift, will also switch positions from her usual position in the Welsh midfield to the back row.

Wales’ Womens World Cup squad
Forwards: Jenny Davies Waterloo/ Blues, Lowri Harries UWIC/ Blues, Catrin Edwards Cardiff Quins/ Scarlets, Alex Stokes Neath Athletic/ Ospreys, Rhian Bowden UWIC/ Dragons, Gemma Hallett Pontyclun/ Blues, Shona Powell-Hughes Neath Athletic/ Ospreys, Rachel Taylor Cardiff Quins/ Ospreys, Catrina Nicholas Cardiff Quins/ Blues, Jamie Kift (captain)Bristol Ladies/ Dragons, Sioned Harries UWIC/ Scarlets, Lisa Newton UWIC/ Ospreys.

Backs: Amy Day Bristol Ladies/ Dragons, Laura Prosser Cardiff Quins/ Blues, Awen Thomas Unattached/ Scarlets, Naomi Thomas Cardiff Quins/ Scarlets, Mared Evans UWIC/ Dragons, Clare Flowers Bristol Ladies/N/A , Ceri Redman UWIC/ N/A, Mellissa Berry Blaydon/ N/A, Caryl James Cardiff Quins/ Scarlets, Non Evans Cardiff Quins/ Scarlets.

Possibles (three to be selected) from: Hannah Roberts (prop) UWIC/Dragons , Louise Rickard (second row) Woodbridge/ N/A, Caryl Thomas (prop)Bath Ladies/ Dragons, Kerin Lake (full back) Neath Athletic/ Ospreys, Elen Evans (centre) Dolgellau/ Scarlets, Elinor Snowsill (Back) Loughbourgh/ N/A.