Castleford Tigers are on the lookout for new investors, and early-stage discussions with Russell Crowe are reportedly underway.
A well-known name in Hollywood, the Gladiator star has a deep affection for rugby league.
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The 60-year-old has been co-owner of Australian rugby league club South Sydney Rabbitohs for nearly 20 years.
It remains to be seen if Crowe’s interests in Castleford are true, but The Yorkshire Post understands he hasn’t dismissed the Tigers overtures completely.
The 60-year-old purchased a small stake in Leeds United Football Club last year.
Castleford Tigers brought in new owners in October 2024.
Martin Jepson, who took over, has been vocal about his ambition to seek fresh investment for the Wheldon Road team.
After purchasing from the old owners, the Fulton family, Jepson expressed his eagerness to collaborate with those who share his vision for “an exciting and ambitious journey for the Tigers.”
“I recognise that I cannot do it all on my own,” Jepson said.
“I have always said that we would be open to new investment into the club and would welcome the opportunity to speak to any individuals interested in joining me on this journey to help realise our collective ambition.”
In 2006, members of the South Sydney club voted in a 75.8 per cent majority to allow Crowe and businessman Peter Holmes à Court to purchase 75 per cent of the organisation.
Crowe and co also received four of eight seats on the board of directors.
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A six-part television miniseries entitled South Side Story depicting the takeover aired in Australia in 2007.
The Rabbitohs faced financial struggles before Crowe’s arrival.
They were teetering on the brink of exclusion from the National Rugby League for two seasons.
But Crowe helped turn this around, playing a pivotal role in the likes of bringing Sam Burgess and his brothers to the NRL.
Crowe’s ownership has also been credited with contributing to the Rabbitohs’ 2014 premiership victory, their first in 43 years.
Crowe recently denied reports that he wanted to sell his stake in the Rabbitohs, saying on X: “What would January in Australia be without desperate legacy media conspiracy theories?
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“Enjoy the summer sun while it’s there and ignore the trolls. WB is back onboard. A fresh energy about the place. An arrowhead on our intentions.”
As Castleford prepares for the 2025 season under the helm of new head coach Danny McGuire, they are filled with hope.
The Leeds Rhinos legend, who earned eight Super League titles as a player, stepped in to replace Craig Lingard at the close of the previous year, marking Jepson’s first significant decision as owner.
Castleford Tigers will kick off their new Betfred Super League season on Friday, February 14th, away at Hull KR.
