The Bay of Plenty Under-18 Girls Sevens and Development sides will test their skills against the best at the New Zealand Sevens Invitational Tournament today.

The two sides will compete against teams from Poverty Bay, Northland, Taranaki, King Country and Tahi Kaha during the tournament which is taking place at Rotorua International Stadium.

BOP Rugby Union Women's development officer Lesley Ketu says it is great the union can give these young players the opportunity to be a part of this tournament.

'Not only do they get to represent the Bay of Plenty region but it is a great chance for them to test themselves against a number of skilled and talented young ladies.”

Ketu is encouraging supporters and the community to head on down to Rotorua International Stadium today to watch the action and cheer on the sides.

'We are lucky to be able to have two teams out on the field today. It is a great opportunity for their whanau and supporters to come out and watch them in action.”

The U18 Invitational Tournament kicks off at 10.30am with the Bay U18 Girls team playing their first match against Taranaki at 10.50am and the Development team playing King Country at 11.10am.

BAY OF PLENTY UNDER 18 GIRLS SEVENS TEAM:

• Julia Florence (John Paul College)
• Maia Carrington(John Paul College)
• Te Aomihi Paul (Rotorua Girls High School)
• Jade Carter (Tauranga Girls College)
• Minardi Daniel (Tauranga Girls College)
• Rawinia Luka (Te Puke High School)
• Sam Spence (Whakatane High School)
• Parekhura Dinsdale Whareaorere (Rangiuru)
• Tynealle Fitzgerald (Trident High School)
• Jade Tuilaepa (Rangataua)
• Mereana Barsdell (Whakatane High School)
• Olivia Richardson (No associated club or school)
• Coach: Paul Pou
• Manager: Sarah Kay

BAY OF PLENTY UNDER 18 GIRLS SEVENS DEVELOPMENT TEAM:

• Izzy Northcroft (Aquinas College)
• Luisa Vulu (John Paul College)
• Emma O'Toole (Rotorua Girls High School)
• Bree Meyer (Tauranga Girls College)
• Hope Garner (Tauranga Girls College)
• Teagan Meyer (Tauranga Girls College)
• Braxton Walker (Te Puke High School)
• Leah Wilson (Rangiuru)
• Layla Teriiini (Trident High School)
• Tawa Ngatai (Rangiuru)
• Sella Moataane (No associated club or school)
• Piatarehingamare Devon (No associated club or school)
• Coach: Jeff Rob
• Manager: Lesley Ketu

NZ SEVENS INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT DRAW

10:30am: Poverty Bay vs Northland

10:50am: Bay of Plenty vs Taranaki

11:10am: Bay of Plenty Development vs King Country

11:30am: Tahi Kaha vs Waikato

12:10pm: Bay of Plenty vs Poverty Bay

12:10pm: Taranaki vs Northland

12:30pm: Waikato vs Bay of Plenty Development

12:30pm: King Country vs Tahi Kaha

1:00pm: Poverty Bay vs Taranaki

1:00pm: Northland vs Bay of Plenty

1:20pm: Bay of Plenty Development vs Tahi Kaha

1:20pm: Waikato vs King Country

2:20pm: Under 18 Semi-Final #1 Pool A vs Under 18 Semi-Final #2 Pool B

2:20pm: Under 18 Semi-Final #3 Pool A vs Under 18 Semi-Final #4 Pool B

2:40pm: Under 18 Semi-Final #1 Pool B vs Under 18 Semi-Final #2 Pool A

2:40pm: Under 18 Semi-Final #3 Pool B vs Under 18 Semi-Final #4 Pool A

3:20pm: Loser 1v2 G1 vs Loser 1v2 G3

3:40pm: Loser 3v4 G2 vs Loser 3v4 G4

4:00pm: Winner 3v4 G2 vs Winner 3v4 G4

4:20pm: Winner 1v2 G1 vs Winner 1v2 G3