**Wrexham Squad Reportedly Gave Hugh Jackman a Frosty Reception After Disappointing Defeat**
Wrexham AFC’s recent resurgence has attracted no shortage of celebrity attention, with visits from big Hollywood names fast becoming the norm at the Racecourse Ground since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney assumed ownership in 2021. However, not every star-studded appearance has gone as planned, as one of the club’s former captains recently disclosed to the media.
The Welsh football club, revitalised both in financial muscle and global popularity under its famous leadership, has seen the likes of Eva Longoria, Channing Tatum, Paul Rudd, and comedy titan Will Ferrell grace its facilities. While some visits have been marked by laughter and excitement, it appears not all celebrities are met with red carpet warmth once inside the team’s inner sanctum.
Ben Tozer, previously Wrexham’s captain before his retirement, has lifted the lid on an unexpectedly awkward encounter between the squad and Australian A-lister Hugh Jackman. During an interview with Sky Sports Radio, Tozer recounts that Jackman’s timing—following a deeply disappointing defeat in the first game back in the English Football League—made for an uncomfortable and less than hospitable atmosphere.
Jackman had travelled to North Wales in August 2023 to witness Wrexham’s return to League Two after a 15-year absence, hopeful for a triumphant start. Instead, the home crowd and their celebrity guests saw the Red Dragons fall to a 5-3 defeat at the hands of MK Dons—a result that left spirits decidedly low in the dressing room.
According to Tozer, the post-match mood soured any chance of conviviality. He admitted, “When Hugh Jackman walked in, unfortunately, it was straight after we’d lost and none of the lads were up for socialising. He got the cold shoulder, really. Everyone just wanted to be left alone after that disappointing result.”
Comparing Jackman’s visit to others, Tozer noted that Will Ferrell’s pre-match appearance in February 2023 had a wholly different effect on the team. “With Ferrell, it was something special—everyone wanted to shake his hand, some jokes were cracked. But the timing with Jackman just couldn’t have been worse.”
Despite the less-than-warm welcome, Jackman has publicly declared himself a supporter of the club, posting heartfelt messages on social media. In a July 2023 tribute, he praised not only the team, but the town and the sense of hope the club’s transformation has brought. “Wrexham is the people, the heart, the show—a balm for the soul,” he enthused.
Jackman himself has previously suggested that he narrowly avoided diving into football club ownership, inspired by his friend Ryan Reynolds’ successful investment. In a light-hearted BBC interview, Jackman revealed he had received offers to join rival club takeovers for as little as £1, and, tongue firmly in cheek, joked about the trend of celebrities entering the football world.
While he declined the chance to join the football fray as an owner, Jackman’s partnership with Reynolds has extended into other sporting arenas. In June, it was revealed the pair had become co-owners of the BONDS Flying Roos sailing team, which competes in the high-profile SailGP international contest. Their statement expressed excitement for this new chapter, with Jackman keen to show his national pride while bringing humour to the venture—apologising in advance for Reynolds’ “overly clingy emotional support human” presence.
This episode at Wrexham highlights the sometimes fragile intersection between sports and celebrity culture. For all the glitz and star power, the fortunes of the team on the pitch remain paramount for players and supporters alike, a fact keenly felt in the emotionally charged atmosphere of football’s lower leagues.
As Wrexham continues to walk the tightrope between Hollywood glamour and sporting grit, the club’s journey serves as a reminder that in football, victories and losses carry weight that even the world’s biggest stars cannot lighten. Jackman’s chilly visit stands as a testament to the genuine passion and focus that define the world’s favourite game, especially in a proud community like Wrexham.