McDermott won 17 GB caps and also played for Ireland

Former Great Britain star Barrie McDermott plans to bring a strong team to Elm Park Way to defend the Fairfax Cup at the York International 9s.

His Ambassadors side may include some former Great Britain colleagues plus youngsters from Leeds Rhinos.

The eight teams that will contest the Cup on 5 July include The British Army and The Second Lancaster Regiment.

Organiser Kevin Pratt said he was pleased to have two army teams "with so many servicemen abroad at the moment".

He continued: "We have the Army champions this year - the Second Lancaster Regiment. It's the first time they've been. They're based at Catterick so they've not too far to come."

As for the missing teams depleted by foreign duties, Pratt added: "We wish them well with their operations abroad and we look forward to some teams such as the Marines and the Scots Guards coming next year."

There will be lots of Super League stars of the future I'm sure Organiser Kevin Pratt

The other teams are; York City Knights; The Ironsides - a mixture of stars from the three main York amateur sides; York Rugby Union Club; Police Sport UK and Milford Marlins, the Leeds-based team who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.

The Festival features two other trophies. The Archbishop Dolben Cup is for developing teams, and includes the Heavy Woollen Donkeys.

The Marston Moor Cup is for school teams in the North Yorkshire area, and the finals are played at the Festival.

Pratt said: "There are still one or two semi-finals still to be sorted out. Again, there will be lots of Super League stars of the future I'm sure."