IT’S not just world class polo that will be enthralling audiences on Sandbanks beach in July, but international volleyball as well.

The British Beach Polo Championships will pit the England team against Australia for the first time on Poole’s premier beach while Beach Volleyball will see Britain lock horns with Cyprus.

During the two-day event on July 8-9, TeamBath and Oakley UK will form GBR Beach Volleyball Team ‘BrodzkiLord’ to take on rivals from the Cyprus national team, Apostolou and Efstathiou.

GB’s highest level beach volleyball athletes Robin Miedzybrodzki from Scotland and England’s Tom Lord have teamed up with the aim of qualifying for the London Olympics next year.

They got together at the end of the 2010 season and duly won the British Beach Volleyball Championships and the Weymouth Classic British Open, the two largest events on the calendar.

Now they intend to hold the winner’s trophy on Sandbanks beach at the Daily Echo backed event.

“We’re delighted to be showcasing the highest level of beach volleyball against one of our arch rivals, Cyprus in the international circuit,” said Tom.

“We can assure you all that sparks will fly between the two teams who share the ultimate focus of Olympic qualification.”

More than 300 guests including celebrities and professional sports people joined together at Branksome Beach Restaurant for the launch of the championship event.

Among them was Clyde Hollett, executive head chef of the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel who escaped his kitchen to have some fun. The hotel is to host the hospitality marquee during the event.

Introduced to a polo pony by Jack Kidd, England beach polo captain, he had his first experience of the sport, and although keen to have a go, decided to leave it to the professionals.

“We are proud to be associated with the British Beach Polo Championships for 2011 and after the huge success of last year’s event we look forward to hosting the hospitality marquee this year,” he said.