York City Knights have announced they are to sponsor the newly introduced Shield competition in this month's York International 9s.

The increasingly prestigious tournament, which will feature 26 teams from all over Europe, takes place at Heworth ARLC on the weekend of June 21-22.

The format will see the top 16 teams from the group section qualify for the knock-out stage of the main Fairfax Cup competition, and now the remaining ten teams will compete for the 'York City Knights Shield'.

Four of those ten teams will be drawn at random and play-off to find the final eight teams, who will then play in a straight knock-out for the first-ever York City Knights Shield.

The Knights were eager to be involved in the tournament and stepped forward to sponsor the Shield as soon as it was announced it was taking place.

Chief executive Steve Ferres attended last year's inaugural York 9s and was impressed by the organisation of the tournament. "The York International 9s was a great success last summer and the scene is now set for another great tournament," he said.

"As York's only professional rugby club, we were only delighted be associated with an event that is increasing in profile month by month."

The Knights will be playing away from home on the Sunday of the York 9s - unfortunately as far away as Workington in National League Division Two -- but Ferres nevertheless hoped rugby fans staying in York would be treated to a feast of action.

"I would like to wish everyone involved in the tournament the very best of luck," he said.

"The tournament is becoming a major event in York and already you can see that the York 9s is set to be one of the major international rugby league events of the year."

Tournament director Jeremy Coupland added: "The York City Knights Shield is a great addition to the weekend and we welcome the partnership of York's professional rugby club in the York 9s.

"The Shield gives the teams who do not make it through to the final 16 of the Fairfax Cup the chance to go away with some silverware at the end of the weekend.

"We are aware that some of the teams are travelling a considerable distance to take part in the tournament and this is an extra chance for glory."

Updated: 11:01 Tuesday, June 10, 2003