The Hollywood A-Lister has been involved with the Rabbitohs since buying in for $3 million in 2006.
Russell Crowe has denied reports he’s looking to sell his share in the South Sydney Rabbitohs as fans express their sadness he might not be involved much longer. Reports emerged on Monday that the Hollywood A-Lister is actively trying to sell his 25 per cent stake in the Rabbitohs after buying in for $3 million in 2006.
But in a statement provided to AAP, Crowe said journalists should be making the most of the Australian weather rather than concerning themselves with his business dealings. “Just tell them all it’s bulls***, and advise them to enjoy the summer sun,” Crowe said.
The actor also wrote on social media: “What would January in Australia be without desperate legacy media conspiracy theories? Enjoy the summer sun while it’s there and ignore the trolls. WB (coach Wayne Bennett) back onboard. A fresh energy about the place. An arrowhead on our intentions.”
Russell Crowe looking to sell stake in South Sydney Rabbitohs?
Reports state Crowe is in contact with a number of potential investors and is looking for $15-20 million. The actor bought his 25 per cent stake with businessman Peter Holmes a Court back in 2006, before Holmes a Court opted out in 2014.
Billionaires Mike Cannon-Brookes and James Packer each hold a 25 per cent share, while the other 25 per cent is owned by South Sydney members. Packer came on board in 2014 at the personal request of Crowe, and his future with the club has now been thrown into doubt.
Crowe bought his share at a time when Souths had not long come back into the NRL and were struggling financially. But the potential exits of Crowe and Packer are unlikely to hit the club hard, as they regularly make a profit these days.
Reports have also emerged that Crowe is looking to sell his property in Woolloomooloo for $40 million, meaning he’s looking to offload around $60 million of assets. However his motivations are unclear.
NRL fans react to news about Russell Crowe
The news about his potential exit as co-owner has sparked sadness from Souths fans, as Crowe has become the club’s most iconic fan. He’s regularly seen at Rabbitohs home games and often brings fellow A-Listers like Chris Hemsworth and Rita Ora with him.
The 60-year-old played a big role in helping the NRL crack the US market when the Rabbitohs played the Manly Sea Eagles in Las Vegas last year for the season opener. His departure would also be a blow to new coach Bennett, who recently spoke of his admiration for Crowe.
Bennett coached Souths from 2019 to 2021 and is back in 2025 for a second stint. “I can’t give him enough raps,” Bennett said. “Football’s been my life since I was born and he’s as committed as anyone I’ve seen at a club. He’s done some wonderful things and he’s a great guy to work with. But what I admire most about him is that he’s so deep into the history of Souths. He believes it and lives it.”
Russell Crowe recently stepped back from attending games
Crowe recently revealed how he’s forced himself to step back from being as visible during Rabbitohs games, including banning himself from showing too much emotion. The 60-year-old revealed he didn’t want to take the spotlight off the players on the field.
“I can’t affect that outcome so you sort of just have to accept what’s going on,” he told Nova radio’s ‘Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie’ last month. “A long time ago when I’d be going to Rabbitohs games when my kids were little and stuff…I realised that by showing my passion in the grandstands was potentially giving the media outlets a way of mentally affecting the team. There was all these photos of me strangling the imaginary referee.
“So, I thought, ‘I’m gonna stop doing that’. I’d go to a game and see what happens then I’d go backstage and you can swear. But when I’m watching the game, I try and keep my cool…because you know I think about it from the players’ perspective, they don’t want to see the boss looking like he’s pissed off in the Monday newspaper. So you’ve got to be cool about it.
