Jacksonville Axemen hosting games at Hodges Stadium this summer

Hunter Horstman

Photo courtesy of Jacksonville Axemen

Rugby is not the most popular sport in America, and most UNF students probably have never heard of the Axemen before, but they are definitely worth checking out this summer. If you’re looking for some nearby sports entertainment, the Axemen play right on campus at UNF’s Hodges Stadium.

With different promotions throughout their season, there is a fun atmosphere at the games. The Axemen are a semi-pro team that play in the United States of America Rugby League (USARL). They are one of 12 teams in the league and only one of three teams in Florida, Tampa and Southwest Florida being the other teams. The Axemen won their preseason game back in May and have just been on fire ever since, winning their first three regular-season games by a huge margin. The Axemen won their last game against the Copperhead by a margin of 86 with a final score of 90-4.

The Axemen have two more home games before their playoffs on Saturday, July 14 against the Tampa Mayhem and Saturday, July 28 against the Atlanta Rhinos. Playoffs start on Saturday, August 4.

At every home game, kids age five and up can learn how to play rugby with some of the Axemen players. Also, you can get in for free at every home game if you are a member of 121 Financial.

Come check out a game this season at UNF’s Hodges Stadium.


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