Southmead celebrate the opening of the first phase of their new dressing rooms with a star-studded international match on Sunday along with a visit from world-famous Bristol actor Dave Prowse.

The biggest day in the club's 24-year history will see a team under The Peeler banner, captained by former Bristol and Wales lock Gareth Llewellyn, taking on the home side.

And a busy schedule of activities will also include a junior tournament involving 150 players, a dinner, auction and live music.

Prowse, who achieved national fame as the Green Cross Code man before playing Darth Vader in the blockbusting Star Wars series, will be attending with his brother Bob, who played for Bristol.

And the pair will take time out to walk around 50 metres from Southmead's Greenway Centre clubhouse to the house in Ambleside Avenue where they were born and grew up.

Jason Silcox, Southmead's operations director and the man co-ordinating the event, said: "I can't speak highly enough of Dave.

"He's still a seriously big star in the United States and has cancelled two gigs there to be with us, completely free of charge. Dave is also donating some Star Wars memorabilia to the auction.

"We're going to have a massive amount of fun on Sunday and hope a big crowd will come along."

The Peeler charity team, originally founded 30 years ago by the Rafter brothers, have lined up players such as David Rees, Dave Hilton, Mark Gabey, Dave Simms, Craig Short, Russell Earnshaw, Matt Salter, Ben Sturnham, Luke Nabaro, Stean Williams and Brendon Daniel to appear. There are also hopes that former Bristol and Wales fly-half Arwel Thomas will be free to play, among many others.

Ex-Bristol and Scotland prop Alan Sharp, now part of the Southmead coaching team, is also set to pull on his shorts ahead of appearing on a regular basis for the club.

RFU vice-president Richard Appleby will officially open the new changing rooms and storage area, built by BPMG. And injured England hooker Lee Mears will assist with presenting the junior medals.

Money raised from programmes, available for a minimum donation of £2, will be shared with an appeal established to assist Tamara Johnson, the Bath Rugby ladies captain who was last year left paralysed from the chest down after falling awkwardly in a game.

Tickets for an after-match three-course meal are still available, priced £20 for non-members. Call 0117 9506022 for details.

Timetable of events:

11am: Junior tournament kicks off

1.30pm: Changing rooms opening ceremony

2.15pm: International match starts

4pm: Juniors medal presentation

5pm: Dinner and auction

8pm: Live music