Russell Crowe and Axemen Co-owner Spinner Howland
Russell Crowe visited Jacksonville and was hosted in part by the Jacksonville Axemen Rugby League Team, who are helping coordinate and manage the “on ground” side of the training camp and game that will be held on January 26th.
They are also coordinating all ticket sales and event facilities during the 10-day visit. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.jaxaxe.com
While in Jacksonville he held a press conference at the University of North Florida to promote a match between his team, The South Sydney Rabbitohs from Australia and the Leeds Rhinos of the U.K. TV, radio and print reporters, as well as heads of the City of Jacksonville, members of UNF staff and local business owners attended the conference.
Russell with sports reporter and Axemen sponsor Sam Kouvaris
and former Jaguars linebacker Tom McManus from 1010XL Sport Radio
He open by showing a short film that he has created called the Zen of Rugby League, that shows the similarities of Rugby League to American Football and how the games can be related to the fans.
Crowe told the room of reporters that the sports facilities at UNF are perfect for the rugby game.
After taking a short tour of the Southside campus, Crowe pronounced the university ideal for the camp, particularly the fact that all the facilities the teams will need are within walking distance.
"The university is incredibly well set up," Crowe said. "Our director of athletic performance Errol Alcott is going to have a puppy over this place."
"This is the first time a first-rate professional rugby league team will actually play a first rate English rugby league team on American soil," Crowe said.
Jacksonville had been selected over a few other cities due to weather and location.
Also working in Jacksonville's favor was that it has a history with Rugby League, including a local team, the Jacksonville Axemen, which is owned by Australian native Daryl "Spinner" Howland, who reached out to South Sydney.
"It makes it easier to have someone on the ground who understands the game," Crowe said.