FORMER England star Austin Healey is excited about this summer’s Bournemouth Sevens after predicting the event could become a “major international festival”.

Healey, the ex-British Lions utility back also known for his Strictly Come Dancing appearances, will again act as host of the Bournemouth Sevens for its second annual tournament.

The Daily Echo-backed extravaganza, which combines top-class rugby and netball with live music, is set to attract 20,000 people to the south coast when it returns to Chapel Gate on May 22-24.

The festival proved a big hit with both rugby fans and party goers when it made its inaugural appearance on the rugby calendar last summer.

And with even more star names set to showcase their skills in front of bumper crowds this time round, Healey is in no doubt as to the impact the tournament has made.

He told the Echo: “I think the Bournemouth Sevens is at the start of what could become a major international festival and Bournemouth is lucky to have that.

“I can’t wait for it. The rugby is good and there are more than 200 teams and they are expecting 20,000 people.

“Bournemouth must be really proud to have a festival of this magnitude on its books.”

Healey, who was a popular guest speaker at last year’s event, is looking forward to seeing how the brainchild of Diamond Sports Events director Roger Woodall has developed.

He admits he was taken aback by the size of the operation.

“When I got there last year I thought it would be some little tournament but I was blown away by the magnitude of the event,” said Healey.

“And by the whole organisation of it and the things you can do there. It wasn’t just the rugby, there was also a whole kids village to take kids to for the day.

“The scale was way beyond anything I’d imagined.”

As well as incorporating the world’s biggest rugby sevens festival, the Bournemouth Sevens also plays host to the National Netball Festival, live music and various other forms of entertainment including a kids zone, beer marquee and VIP area.

For more information visit bournemouthsevens.com and to purchase tickets visit bic.co.uk or ticketmaster.co.uk.