Wales lost four and drew one in last season's Six Nations

Wales were relying on an invitation after failing to qualify by finishing bottom in last season's Six Nations.

World Cup organisers have awarded the final invitation place to Samoa, but the Welsh Women's Rugby Union will appeal against the decision.

"We are prepared to fight for what we feel is a justified place at the World Cup," said the WWRU's Jilly Holroyd.

"This is a massive blow for everyone involved in women's and girls' rugby in Wales.

I cannot see that the IRB can justify our non-inclusion based on the criteria they set out WWRU's Jilly Holroyd

"It is something that has come as a big shock due to the significant amount of development work being undertaken by Wales as a nation, with the WWRU having invested in excess of �1m into the sport over the last three years. "

Wales, Samoa, Italy, Japan and Brazil were vying for the final invitation place to compete in Edmonton, Canada next August and September.

The International Rugby Board chose Samoa after studying each country's results since 2002 World Cup, domestic competitions, playing numbers and development schemes.

Wales say they have the support of the Six Nations committee in their attempt to overturn the IRB's decision.

And Holroyd added: "I cannot see that the IRB can justify our non-inclusion based on the criteria they set out."