BEACH rugby 5s is due to return to Boscombe tomorrow – and the competition is set to be bigger, better and sandier than ever.

The sport, which has been played in Europe for more than 25 years, is a fast-paced, full contact form of rugby played by men’s and women’s teams.

Following a successful pilot competition last year, the event is now an official leg of the European Beach Rugby Association’s EBRA Series, which also takes in the likes of Barcelona and Marseille.

Discussing the appeal of the event, tournament director Kit Dobner said: “There simply is no other sport like it.

“The unique combination of rugby, the beach and a great festival vibe sets this apart from other sports festivals, and last year really helped us prove this.

“Boscombe beach is an amazing location on the south coast, so it’s the perfect set-up for this event.

“We are focused on delivering progress for the tournament – this year we’re hosting coaching sessions as part of our opening ceremony, as well as encouraging teams from around Europe to enter.

“We can’t wait to see who has what it takes to beat last year’s winners, the Pacific Islanders.”

As well as the main tournament, the event will focus on introducing the sport to new players as part of a development day. Friday Night Lights will kick off the festival tomorrow (3pm), with coaching and training available to new teams.

This will be followed by an evening tournament culminating in the opening ceremony.

With more than 30 men’s and women’s teams registering interest, it looks set to be an entertaining weekend for players and spectators alike.

Weekend tickets can be bought from Eventbrite. The event has raised funds for Brainstrust, which supports brain tumour suffers and their families.