A speedily-assembled Wasps women's sevens side, comprising of a mixture of Bay of Plenty and New Zealand's best talent, will compete in the Australia's prestigious Central Coast 7s tournament.

Following the Bay of Plenty women's withdrawal from the annual event, the Rotorua-based NZ Wasps have quickly put its hand up to support the development of local Bay athletes.

Bay of Plenty's Calli Turner competes for lineout ball against Counties Manukau. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

The 16-team two-day competition, on October 25-26, is one of the most prominent on the sevens circuit attracting the sport's top powers.

This year's women's division will have national teams from Australia, Canada, Fiji, USA and Japan competing.

NZ Wasps Sevens Academy director David Mays says while the side was hastily put together in 24 hours, the inclusion of five NZ Women's Sevens players will provide a significant boost to the Wasps' sting in New South Wales.

The national representatives are Selica Winiata, Kat Simpkins, Alexis Tapsell, Hazel Tubic, and Michaela Blyde.

'I knew we'd require a bit more depth if we were going to seriously challenge at this event, so was delighted when we secured early support from Sean Horan [All Black Womens Sevens coach]. He was very quick to commit to making players available,” says David.

'We are incredibly excited to have those players in the mix, as they will bring great experience to our squad.”

Horan says as a coach one of the best things they can do is give players opportunities to play the game at any level.

'It's important they get to experience the challenges of playing in a two-day tournament, and that game time and exposure can really help with their development.”

The hastily-assembled side will come together in coming weeks after this weekend's final Women's Provincial Championship round; the Bay of Plenty Volcanix playing Hawke's Bay away.

The NZ representatives will not meet up with the side until in Australia.

And with an eye to the future, Mays has picked the squad based on future talent, including four player still at secondary school.

'Realistically what I see is taking the best up and coming Bay players at under 20 level,” says Mays.

'We have tried to take the youngest group we can that can compete at the highest level.”

Wasps side to travel to the Central Coast 7s rugby tournament:

Luka Connor - Opotiki College/BOP volcanix

Sienna Whare - Opotiki College/BOPSS U18

Kamryn Harrison - Opotiki College/BOPSS U18

Aryahn Clarke - Te Puke High School/BOPSS U18

Sapphire Tapsell Te Puke High/BOPSS U18

Morgan Morrow - BOP Volcanix

Calli Turner - BOP Volcanix

Rian Sanerive - Trident High School/BOPSS U18

Selica Winiata - Manawatu/NZ 7s

Kat Simpkins - Wellington/NZ 7s

Alexis Tapsell – Canterbury/NZ7s

Hazel Tubic - Auckland/NZ7s

Michaela Blyde – Taranaki/NZ7s