WORLD Cup winner Lewis Moody is the latest international rugby star to endorse the Daily Echo-backed Bournemouth Sevens.

The Leicester Tigers and England flanker is set to host a question and answer session during the Chapel Gate event, which is set to take the south coast by storm on May 31 and June 1.

As well as a number of star-studded teams, the weekend will also see live music and various forms of entertainment, including a fun fair, cheerleaders and a VIP marquee.

And Moody, who is likely to attend the whole weekend if Leicester miss out on a place in the Guinness Premiership final at Twickenham on May 31, is looking forward to visiting Bournemouth.

"It's turning out to be one of the biggest sevens tournaments in Europe," the 53-times capped back-row forward told the Daily Echo.

"Seru Rabeni (Leicester) has put a team in and there are a couple of other quality sides. A lot of people will hopefully enjoy the atmosphere, with all the marquees and beer tents, it should be a good crack.

"To get 96 teams in your first year is quite incredible for a sevens tournament. It will be an amazing event and that's why people are keen to get down to Bournemouth and take their chance for a day out and to enjoy themselves."

Moody, who revealed there was plenty of interest in the Bournemouth Sevens from within the professional game, also lent his backing to former team-mate Martin Johnson, the new England team manager.

He said: "He's a leader first and foremost and someone to make the difficult decisions. He will be his own man."

  • Tickets for the Bournemouth Sevens are available from www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit www.bournemouthsevens.com.