The tournament was first held in 2002[2] as part of City of York Council's Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The competition was awarded a 5* rating from the Rugby League European Federation and was the first nines event in Europe.
[3] The 2007 event has been streamlined with all the competitions taking place on one day rather than two, and eight teams, rather than 12, competing in the Fairfax Cup.
Fairfax Cup Group 1: York City Knights, York Ironsides, Espagne Origine, Lyon-Villeurbanne-Rhone Group 2: Dewsbury Rams, The Army, FC Lézignan XIII, The Ambassadors Archbishop Dolben Cup Group 1: Police Sport UK, Beach Boys, York RUFC, Royal Navy Group 2: Featherstone Rovers, Royal Air Force, York Tigers, Broughton Rangers Teams from England, France and in previous years from Russia compete for the Fairfax Cup, named after Sir Thomas Fairfax.
Preliminary rounds will take place on Wednesday 14 June at Heworth Rugby Club.