The 2008 York 9s will be McDermott's third

The team led by former Great Britain international Barrie McDermott will defend their title at the York International 9s on Saturday.

The Ambassadors won the Fairfax Cup last year and McDermott told BBC Radio York he is looking forward to taking part again.

"I think the purity of the York 9s is very special.

"I've been around rugby league a long time and its something I haven't experienced too many times.

"It's just a great family day that everybody gets involved in and everybody enjoys."

McDermott called his team the Ambassadors to describe what he wanted to achieve from a side he represents.

I'm more interested in representing the sport itself than making claims that I'm going to win it Barrie McDermott

"I'm naturally a competitive person but the winning or losing of this event doesn't really bother me.

"Once I get there, get the kit on, have a run about and my team starts to click then naturally you want to do well.

"But for me it's just about showing what we're about as a game.

"I'm more interested in enjoying the day, I'm more interested in representing the sport itself than making claims that I'm going to win it."

Lining up for the Ambassadors will be former internationals including Gary Connolly, Lee Jackson and Terry O'Connor. McDermott also expects some players from Leeds Rhinos to turn out for him.

Teams will be competing for the main prize, the Fairfax Cup, and the Archbishop Dolben Cup for developing teams, while the Marston Moor Cup will be played for by school teams in North Yorkshire.