DAVID Dunn is planning to unleash big Tim Collier as Bournemouth bid for sevens glory.
The former Harlequins and Worcester forward, who weighs in at 21 stones, is set to play a part as the Lions aim to secure success in the Bournemouth Sevens Festival South of England Cup.
Playing on home territory at the Chapel Gate event, Dunn is keen to make up for last year’s quarter-final exit.
He will be without a number of important players as six Bournemouth stars prepare for Dorset & Wilts’ County Shield title tilt at Twickenham tomorrow.
But Dunn believes Collier can boost Lions’ hopes.
The Bournemouth head coach told the Echo: “The downside of Twin Counties’ final is that it decimates our team for the Bournemouth Sevens Festival.
“But we have put a very competitive squad together. Hopefully, if we click, we will win it.
“We have got some good sevens players and have included Tim Collier in our squad.
“Tim has done an outstanding job throughout the season. He is 6ft 5in and 21 stones and an ex-Premiership player.
“He has played a major role in the successful season we have had. He is so committed that he is also going to have a run-out at the sevens.”
Discussing the Daily Echo-backed festival, which is set to attract 20,000 people to the town this weekend, Dunn added: “It is a fantastic occasion.
“It is a real festival atmosphere and it will be a great weekend. It is a tremendous way to finish the season.”
Meanwhile, festival goers have been urged to take taxis or shuttle buses, which run from Bournemouth train station from 10am-5.30pm today and tomorrow, in order to avoid traffic.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here