SOUTHEASTERN RUGBY LEAGUE
In 2011 the Axemen launched the 1st reserve grade competition for rugby league in the United States. The Firehouse Subs Southeastern Rugby League Championship, which acts as a minor league development system for the Axemen to further expose players, includes 3 teams: Daytona Gearheads, Jacksonville Hatchets, and Orlando Adrenaline. Each team play 4 games and the top two play for the championship. Players on the reserve grade teams always have the opportunity to be called up to play for the Axemen at any time in the season, much like Major League Baseball and their Minor League affiliates. This provides the Axemen with a game-ready pool of players, and keeps the Axemen Roster on their toes.
Daytona also has a strong culture of rugby and they had a successful 2011 season by winning the Southeastern Rugby League Championships. The Gearheads are coached by Jacksonville Axemen prop Craig Howitt.
- Home Field: Embry Riddle
Rugby League has grown so much in Jacksonville it allows for the Axemen to build a full roster for themselves as well as their reserve grade. All home games are played at UNF Hodges stadium prior to Axemen home games.
- Home Field: Hodge’s Stadium
After years of Axemen players traveling up from Central Florida to compete for the season, Orlando was likely choice for a third reserve grade team. The team will have a new coach this season, Kevin Wathen, who coaches at both youth and adult rugby in Deltona, FL.
- Home Field: Lake Mary Prepatory School
