Award-winning actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds join forces with Australia's successful SailGP team
Australia's series leading SailGP team has added the ultimate star power, with Hollywood actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds coming on board as co-owners.
The Australian team – led by one of the country's most decorated drivers in Tom Slingsby – had been running off the smell of an oily rag with no major backer compared to their cashed-up global rivals.
But this will change thanks to A-listers Jackman and Reynolds in a major boost for Australia's three-time SailGP champions.
In a further coup for the Australians, BONDS underwear has signed on as a major sponsor as part of fresh rebrand.
The Australian SailGP team will now be officially called the BONDS Flying Roos.
Luring Jackson's support is a significant result for the future of Australia's SailGP team.
The Sydney-born talent has conquered the world with his acting exploits, most notably for his award-winning efforts as Wolverine in the X-Men films.
Reynolds is a star in his own right, excelling in multiple movies, while he also has experience in sport as a co-owner of Welsh soccer club, Wrexham.
Together Jackman and Reynolds will bring significant global profile and presence for Australia's successful SailGP team.
'We're incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure,' Jackman and Reynolds said in a statement.
'Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country as well as being an avid fan of sailing. He will also be bringing his overly clingy emotional support human along for the ride. Apologies in advance to Australia. No comment on whether we're writing this in our BONDS. No further questions.'
Slingsby – the driver, CEO and co-owner of the Bonds Flying Roos is thrilled to see Jackman and Reynolds link with the team.
'This is an incredible milestone for us and for our sport, having global icons Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds come on board as co-owners of our team,' Slingsby said.
'They bring unmatched star power, a love for storytelling, and a sharp sense of humour that fits perfectly with our team. With BONDS joining as our Title Partner and the launch of the BONDS Flying Roos, we're building something distinctly Australian; a team driven by spirit, resilience, and national pride.'
The BONDS multi-year partnership marks the first time the Australian SailGP Team has had a title partner. As both official title partner and official underwear partner, BONDS brings more than a century of Aussie heritage - and signature comfort - to the BONDS Flying Roos.
'BONDS is famous for its signature Aussie spirit and it's no secret that Aussies love sport, being on the water, and just a hint of danger. Enter SailGP, the next exciting chapter in our journey to take BONDS to the world,' says Tanya Deans, President BONDS Australia.
'We're thrilled to join forces with such an iconic duo and an adrenaline-fuelled sport ready for its moment in the spotlight. And how do you say no to Hugh Jackman? He's Australian royalty! As we set sail on this new adventure, the BONDS Flying Roos have one less thing to worry about – we've got their backs (and bums) covered.'
The BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team will make their official debut under their new name and ownership at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix from June 7-8. The Australian crew aims to defend their leading position on the leaderboard while striving for a memorable victory to celebrate their new co-owners and partners.
Founded in 2019 by Sir Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison, SailGP pits 12 national crews in identical 50-foot foiling catamarans, ripping past 100 km/h just metres from shore in the world's most iconic harbours. Led by Olympic gold medallist Slingsby, Australia has owned the leaderboard, three championships in four seasons, and now embarks on a new chapter aimed at super-charging fan engagement far beyond the dock.
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