The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has announced the Wasps team will face off against the New Zealand Universities side in Mount Maunganui on Anzac Day.

Director of Rugby Clayton McMillan says the decision to play the match came at a late request from NZ Universities to help them prepare for an upcoming fixture against a touring Japanese side.

'The game gives us an opportunity to play under the Wasps umbrella, who continue to play an important role in our community at the grassroots level.

'This also gives some of our up and coming players and good early season club performers some exposure against what will be a formidable and experienced opposition.”

Wasps President Craig McCord says the Anzac Day match is yet another fixture for the team to join with the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union to assist the promotion and development of the region's emerging talent.

'Through our support we hope this provides them the profile they need in order to be seen and selected for higher honours in the future.”

The Bay of Plenty Wasps side will have two training sessions prior to the Anzac Day match at Blake Park in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday, April 19, at 6pm, then on Sunday, April 23, at 4pm.

The Bay of Plenty Wasps Team:

1 - Hayden Anderson (Te Puke Sports)

2 - Joe Key (Greerton Marist)

3 - James Lay (Whakarewarewa)

4 - Baden Wardlaw (Rotoiti)

5 - Tim Bond (Te Puke Sports)

6 - Henry Stowers (Arataki)

7 - Mone Funaki (Paroa)

8 - Chulainn Mabbett-Stowerby (Te Puke Sports)

9 - Jacob Abel (Tauranga Sports)

10 - Kelly Haimona (Whakarewarewa)

11 - Matt Garland (Whakarewarewa)

12 - Brad Armstrong (Te Puke Sports)

13 - Joe Webber (Te Puke Sports)

14 - Luke Masirewa (Te Puke Sports)

15 - Josh Robertson-Weepu (Te Puke Sports)

Reserves:

16 - Angus MacDonald (Te Puna)

17 - Jessie Williams (Tauranga Sports)

18 - Josh Davey (Mount Maunganui Sports)

19 - Lars Morrice (Te Puke Sports)

20 - Kayden Budd (Te Puna)

21 - Jordy Stone (Te Puna)

22 - Reece MacDonald (Arataki)

23 - Josh Honey (Tauranga Sports)

The Bay of Plenty Wasps take on New Zealand Universities at Mount Maunganui's Blake Park on Tuesday, April 25. Kick-off at 2.45pm.