FORMER professional Brendan Carlyle will coach the Ironsides in this year's York International Nines Rugby League tournament.

Heworth player coach Carlyle, who skippered the invitational squad that reached the semi-finals of last year's inaugural tournament, will be assisted by Phil Sturdy.

The duo are now appealing for other York coaches to put forward the names of players they wish to see included in this year's Ironsides squad.

Because of their success last year, the Ironsides have been invited to participate in a nines tournament staged at the London Skolars' New River Stadium on July 2.

Any company or individual willing to sponsor the team's travel costs are asked to telephone Spen Allison on 01904 655041.

The York tournament, which was staged for the first time last year, will become the first to be played under the banner of the newly-formed European Rugby League Federation when it takes place on June 21-22.

The nine-a-side rugby league tournament, to be played at Heworth ARLC, is set to feature teams from five European countries and others from further afield, and as such has been adopted by the ERLF.

Last year's 16-team event held on one day was a major success and this year's is to be expanded to incorporate more teams and be held over a weekend.

The ERLF is rugby league's equivalent of UEFA, football's European governing body, and was created at an historic meeting in Paris in January.

Its vice-chairman, Richard Lewis, who is also executive chairman of the Rugby Football League, said: "It is a delight to announce that the York International 9s has been accepted as an official tournament of the European Rugby League Federation.

sport@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 11:36 Tuesday, April 29, 2003