INTERNATIONAL rugby star Seru Rabeni has announced that he will be captaining a star-studded Fiji side in the Daily Echo-backed Bournemouth Sevens tournament.

Leicester Tigers' Rabeni is one of seven Fijians confirmed in the team to enter the National Invitation Cup. The line-up also includes Mosese Rauluni and Kameli Ratuvou of Saracens, Akapusi Qera of Gloucester, and Worcester trio Wame Iewaravu, Sunia Koto and Netani Talei - all of whom played in last year's World Cup.

Event organiser Roger Woodall has described the news as "fantastic".

"It's an amazing boost for them to be coming over. Everyone knows the Fijians are the best rugby sevens players in the world - fact," Woodall told the Daily Echo.

"They'll be bringing over their flair, great hands and great spirit - it's a huge opportunity for them to show the UK what they can do, and fantastic news for the weekend."

Rabeni explained just what it means to be taking part in the event, which kicks-off at Chapel Gate on May 31.

He said: "The boys are into the idea of helping out our brothers in the armed forces, as we believe we are doing the same thing of promoting our country in our fields of work.

"They represent Britain and Fiji when they go to war and we do the same for our club and country."

Also confirmed is a team combining several Tongan internationals with the four Samoan Tuillagi brothers.

Freddie Tuillagi of Leicester explained why his team want to take part.

"These guys are the biggest men in world rugby and are keen to win the festival to put Samoa on the map in the UK," he said.

"All of our players played in the last World Cup, and these boys will bring some amazing flair to the Bournemouth Sevens festival."

The tournament will last for two days and will see an estimated 20,000 people also enjoy a music festival and a fun fair, with fancy dress throughout.

With several England internationals including Austin Healey, Lewis Moody and Matt Stevens also confirmed, it promises to be a huge spectacle.

  • Tickets for the event are available from www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit www.bournemouthsevens.com.
  • BOURNEMOUTH and Swanage and Wareham's eagerly awaited Dorset and Wiltshire Cup final will take place at Dorchester on Sunday, April 6.

Oakmeadians will meet Trowbridge in the Vase final at Salisbury on Saturday, April 5.

Bournemouth and Chippenham clash at North Dorset in the Second XV Cup final the same day.

Marlborough meet Swindon College Old Boy's at Swindon in the Plate final on April 5 as well.