Wales Women World Cup squad announcement: Live updates as Ioan Cunningham reveals 32-player touring party

Wales will announce their 32-player squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup today before heading down under later this week.

Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham is expected to reveal his touring party early this afternoon before holding a press conference to explain his selection decisions. Their World Cup opener is against Scotland on October 9, while Wales also face reigning world champions New Zealand and Australia in the pool stages.

This Wales team heads into a tournament as the country's best-prepared side in its history, at a time when Unions across the world are upping their investment in women's rugby. The professional era in Wales began in January this year, when 12 players became full-time pros thanks to Welsh Rugby Union deals, plus 12 more on semi-pro deals. But Cunningham has actually had 29 full-time players, two part-time and further non-contracted players to work with since the start of July.

Cunningham will likely be quizzed about Wales' 73-7 drubbing at the hands of World Cup favourites England a week ago in a warm-up, which came after a 31-3 defeat to fellow women's rugby heavyweights Canada in August.

You'll be able to follow all the build-up, announcement, press conference updates and reaction right here.

Live updates below: