Dragons players have been ignored by World Cup selectors on both sides of the Tasman.

Australia and New Zealand named their respective 24-man squads for the tournament yesterday and neither side included Dragons players.

Winger Jason Nightingale missed out on the Kiwi squad despite playing in New Zealand's last Test - a 28-12 loss to Australia at the SCG in May.

The only Dragon to play for Australia in that match - centre Mark Gasnier - is ineligible to play in the World Cup after defecting French rugby union club Stade Francais.

Second-rower Ben Creagh (one Test), Matt Cooper (seven Tests) and Justin Poore were named in Australia's 46-man preliminary squad, but didn't make the final cut.

Meantime, Nightingale will have to content himself with a start for New Zealand Maori against the All Golds this Sunday at New Plymouth.

The 16-team World Cup kicks off on Saturday, October 25.