Silo Beaker

Submitted by Francine King on April 20, 2010 - 3:27pm Francine King's Blog

Covering the Australia Day Challenge international Rugby League exhibition in 2008 — my first experience with Rugby League — somehow earned me the role of the Times-Union's Rugby League writer. (And a chance to meet Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe, thanks Justin).

In that capacity, I've gotten to work with Daryl "Spinner" Howland, one of the co-founders of the Jacksonville Axemen. Howland runs a first-rate operation that goes out of its way every year to bring entertaining sports events, like international Rugby League games, to town.

It also happens to include a top-notch Rugby League team right here in Jacksonville. The Axemen, who reached their league's championship game last August, are gearing up for a new season with an open training camp May 7-9. It's free to try out, but be warned, there's a reason you're required to bring proof of medical insurance (see video below). For more info on the training camp, CLICK HERE.

If you're just interested in getting a look at the new Axemen team, or you've never seen Rugby League before and you're curious, the Axemen will stage a full contact scrimmage May 8 at 4 p.m. at UNF's Hodges Stadium. The scrimmage will include an introduction to Rugby League drill. Walk up tickets are $5 and children 12 and younger are admitted free.

Howland and the Axemen are also calling on their loyal fan base to help create an official team chant. To contribute your ideas for an Axemen chant go to http://iknowjax.com/axemen-pro-rugby/. The winner, who will receive a prize pack including four Axemen season tickets and a team jersey, will be chosen May 3 and notified by e-mail.