Atlantic Cup
After the success of the Australia Day Challenge and the Rhino Stampede to Florida, the Jacksonville Axemen continued to host international rugby league events in Jacksonville. The Atlantic Cup was created in 2009 by the Axemen organization to continue to bring International Rugby League teams to play matches in the late fall each year. Through 2012, the Axemen have hosted 7 international matches through the Atlantic Cup.
Teams: Jacksonville Axemen, UK Police, & Helensbourgh Tigers
Attendance: 3,000
Winner: UK Police
The 2011 Atlantic Cup brought the Jacksonville Axemen into the international spotlight once again. Unlike the previous 2 years, the Atlantic Cup in 2011 featured competition between clubs from Australia (Helensburgh Tigers), the UK (UK Police Rugby League) and the United States (Jacksonville Axemen). The event featured intense matchups, beginning with a brutal 62-14 loss for the Jacksonville Axemen to the UK Police. The Helensburgh Tiger followed up with a narrow 18-14 win over the UK Police, in what many consider one of the best games of rugby league played at Hodges Stadium. The final game between the Helensburgh Tigers and the Jacksonville Axemen showcased what United Stated and Jacksonville rugby league truly have to offer, and with the Axemen defeating the Tigers 26-18. Due to point differentials, the UK Police were named the Atlantic Cup Champions for 2011.
Teams: USA Tomahawks, Jamaica, & Canada
Attendance: 2,800
Winner: USA Tomahawks
The 2010 Atlantic Cup was also organized by the Jacksonville Axemen at the University of North Florida on November 16, 17, and 20. This year along with the United States and Jamaican national teams, Canada joined the competition, and the Cup was expanded from a single match into a three-game tournament. All three games were refereed by Super League referee Phil Bentham. The United States Tomahawks defeated both teams, and was confirmed the Atlantic Cup champion for a second year. Several thousand spectators attended the tournament, and the final game between the United States and Canada had over 2,800 fans.
Teams: USA Tomahawks & Jamaica
Attendance: 3,500
Winner: USA Tomahawks
In 2009 the Jamaican Rugby League Association (JRLA) and the Jacksonville Axemen organized a game between the United States and Jamaica national teams, to be called the 2009 Atlantic Cup. The game was played on November 14, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Axemen’s home field, Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida. The game was Jamaica’s international debut, and ended with 37-22 win for the United States. The event was considered a success, drawing around 3,500 spectators.
