For an idea of the action in what Coach Daryl Spinner Howland calls “this insane sport,” take a look at the new video at YouTube of our Jacksonville Axemen team in play. The Axemen team—Florida’s only American National Rugby League team—is one of ten in the AMNRL. If you’ve never been to a rugby league game, you’re depriving yourself of the ultimate sports experience, in this fan’s opinion. These guys go head to head (literally) and toe to toe in a physical match that requires brawn and brains working in harmony. Do comment on the video and show our team support.
The rugby league buzz is everywhere. Last week, I ran into an acquaintance, and she told me she’d seen the article I did about Russell Crowe. “You really like rugby or is it just Russell Crowe?” she asked. So I confessed. I’ve liked rugby since I was a college kid, having been introduced to the sport by a nicely constructed rugby player I dated before I met my husband. But being Southern, I also admitted I like Russell Crowe (you'd have to be dead not to if you're a hetero female). I’ve admired his acting ability for years, in part, because he isn’t just a pretty face. He becomes the character he plays, elevating entertainment to art. But just as important, I admire what he’s doing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. And how he’s working with our Jacksonville Axemen to bring a world class match (Rabbitohs vs. Rhinos in January at UNF Hodges Stadium) to Jacksonville.
Here’s an aside on Crowe. In the November issue of Vanity Fair, there’s an article about former prez Bill Clinton at the Democratic Convention in 2000. The thrust of the article details how the Clintons derailed Al Gore’s campaign (think fundraising) because of Hillary’s own campaign for the U.S. Senate. Anyway, Bill Clinton marched onto the stage to address the delegates. Says Vanity Fair, “Commentators instantly likened the moment to Russell Crowe’s confident walk into the arena in Gladiator.” On the validity of comparing Clinton to Crowe, I will say it is a compliment to Crowe to be employed as a figurative metaphor in a tony magazine. I will also say Hillary comes closer to a gladiator approach than her spouse.
Meanwhile, the American National Rugby League hopes to qualify for their first ever Rugby League World Cup to be held in Australia in October, 2008.
And if you haven’t picked up your tickets for the January 26 Australia Day match here in Jacksonville, do yourself a favor and hop over to the Jax Axe site and get tickets while you still can. People are coming from all over the world for a day of family fun and sports. Watch for updates here and check the JaxAxe site often for news. (Photo credit courtesy of Jacksonville Axemen)
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