On March 1, 2006, the Jacksonville Axemen announced their entry into the Rugby League scene in the USA

After months of planning, finding our first sponsors, convincing enough players to try the 13-a-side Code of Rugby, a simple email was sent out to the small group of people who believed that a Rugby League team in the Southern USA could be viable. With the nearest team at the time being in Washington DC. and only 3 players living in Jacksonville who had actually played Rugby League before, a simple email announced the start of the JACKSONVILLE AXEMEN.

So this season marks the 10th year of operations, and the Axemen are proud to have helped build the profile of Rugby League in the South, and across the United States. The Axemen will be releasing some special 10 year merchandise, hosting a special 10 year event, and as always be looking to add their 3rd National Championship to the Trophy Case.

We wish to thank every player, visiting team, past and present sponsors, volunteers, venues we have played in, and of course our most valued group, OUR FANS in the USA and around the World, for a decade of support. Below is the email that announced the team and a few photos from our 2006 season.

March 01, 2006: To ALL, This is to confirm the inclusion on the Jacksonville Axemen Rugby League Team into the 2006 American National Rugby League season.
Myself along with Mr. Drew Slover have secured enough financial support to feel confident we can reach our goal and make this venture a success. 

Yes, we still need to secure some more sponsors but March 1st was the date we had set ourselves to either proceed or wait until the 2007 season to enter.
The Axemen will play our first game on Saturday May 20th against the Washington DC Slayers at their home field.

Our first home game will be Saturday June 3rd against the current League Champions, the Glen Mills Bulls.
Our 5 home games will be played at the Stadium Field at the University of North Florida and travel to various Northeastern Cities for our five away games.

Two important notes;
We are still looking for Sponsors so if anyone knows of a business that may have any interest at all please forward their info along so we may contact them to discuss a possible partnership. We are open to all suggestions.
Secondly, there will be a meeting for any interested players (and others that may want to attend) to outline our plan for the season. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 14TH, AT MY HOUSE OFF OF HODGES BLVD. It will be a relaxed meeting so all players and others can meet and discuss our plan openly.

All potential players. The Axemen will be paying for all your travel and accommodations for away games and also providing playing and training kits as well as covering all costs of playing and training facilities. All of this will be possible due to our sponsors, therefore we expect all players to go above and beyond in promoting, talking about, endorsing and advertising any sponsor that partners with us. You will also be expected to adhere to a code of conduct so as no to bring any negative press or outlook to the Axemen or the Sport of Rugby League.

There will be more announcements soon in regards to the website and other details but as of today we are officially pursuing our goal of the American National Rugby League Trophy.

The 2 logos the Axemen started operations with

Axemen team from our first game against the DC Slayers

Axemen 2006 game against the Philly Fight. A rivalry that has grown to become one of the biggest in the USA

Ridge Sink presents one of our first MVP awards to Frank Radosta during the teams pre-game meal that was
held at the Outback on Baymeadows Road