Bay of Plenty women's rugby is $25,000 away from returning to the national stage following nearly a decade away from the spotlight.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union operations manager Neil Alton, sales and marketing representative Cherie Hammond and Bayleys Real Estate auctioneer Blair Cashmore. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Last month the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union announced its intentions to have to women's side return to the National Provincial Championship after last fielding a team in 2005.

But the rugby union must raise $25,000 to cover the cost of entry, gear, travel and accommodation throughout the seven week competition.

There are hopes a fundraising auction and dinner on June 10 will raise the necessary funds.

With Bayleys Real Estate – long-term sponsors of the Bay of Plenty Steamers – backing women's rugby in the region, auctioneer Blair Cashmore will provide services free on the night to ensure the fundraising target is reached.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union operations manager Neil Alton says the talent coming through the club and secondary school ranks is enough to resurrect the team this season.

He adds the region has been focussing on rebuilding the women's game in recent months and capitalising on the surge in the popularity of rugby sevens.

'A few years ago the game dropped off for whatever reasons. We are a pretty small community and so rely to a certain degree on a few key people to keep it alive. If they move away or step down it can have a big impact.”

So far the rebuild looks to be gathering momentum, he says.

'Two or three years ago we had about four club teams, now there are seven. That's a promising sign.”

The 2013 Bay of Plenty Secondary School Girls coach Pere Paul has been appointed the new coach of the women's side and will be leading selections during the club competition from April to July.

Selection will be based on player performance during the Bay of Plenty Women's Rugby competition. There is also an opportunity for secondary school girls to impress and push for inclusion during the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools competition.

The inclusion of rugby sevens at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is influencing the growth of the women's 15 aside format too, with the rugby union identifying the importance of having player pathways to support such growth.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union sales and marketing representative Cherie Hammond says in order to make the auction happen the union is after donations of auction items to join a number of priceless items already secured: a signed Wellington Sevens jersey, a Maori All Blacks jersey and a Steamers VIP experience.

Cherie is the contact person for anyone interested in purchasing a table for the event.

There are tables available in seating arrangements of four to 10 people, and it includes a three course meal at Cobb & Co Tauranga along with a selection of beer and wines from sponsor Independent Breweries.

For more information contact Cherie on 021 0839 2367 or [email protected]