**Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Chart New Course Together with Major Investment in International Sailing Team**
In a move that merges star power with the high-octane world of competitive sailing, Hollywood icons Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have announced a significant investment in the newly rebranded BONDS Flying Roos, an Australian team competing in the prestigious SailGP series. This latest partnership marks a fresh chapter for the actors, who first became friends over a decade ago while filming *X-Men Origins: Wolverine*, and have since enjoyed ongoing collaboration on and off the screen.
The dynamic between Reynolds and Jackman, immortalised by their on-screen chemistry in the *Deadpool* and *Wolverine* franchises, now extends into the realm of elite sport. Their latest project underscores a growing trend of celebrity involvement in international sporting competitions. SailGP itself, lauded as one of sailing’s fastest-growing leagues, has already attracted the attention of high-profile investors – among them Real Madrid’s football superstar Kylian Mbappé and acclaimed actress Anne Hathaway.
Launched in 2019 by three-time Olympic sailing champion Sir Russell Coutts and tech billionaire Larry Ellison, SailGP has quickly established itself as a fixture on the global sporting calendar. Teams from around the globe race state-of-the-art F50 foiling catamarans at breathtaking speeds, with the series boasting a remarkable £9.6 million prize fund. In this high-stakes arena, the BONDS Flying Roos, led by Olympic gold medallist Tom Slingsby, have built a formidable reputation, securing the championship title three times.
Ryan Reynolds, widely recognised for his co-ownership of Wrexham AFC alongside Rob McElhenney, continues to diversify his sports portfolio. Besides his successful foray into Welsh football, Reynolds and McElhenney have also invested in clubs such as Mexico’s Club Necaxa, Colombia’s La Equidad, and have a stake in Formula 1’s Alpine team. This branching out into sailing, however, is a first for Hugh Jackman, marking his debut as a sports team owner. By joining the league of celebrity backers like Sebastian Vettel and Deontay Wilder, Jackman brings his Australian roots and global recognition to a new sporting audience.
In a joint statement, the duo expressed their enthusiasm: “Embarking on this journey together is thrilling. Hugh, with his passionate connection to Australia and keen love of sailing, brings an authentic energy to the project – and perhaps will have to put up with Ryan’s jokes along the way. It’s an exciting adventure for both of us, and we hope to contribute something special to the team and to SailGP.”
The team’s new name, BONDS Flying Roos, reflects its title sponsorship from the iconic Australian underwear brand, and signals a refreshed vision for the upcoming season. The rebrand will debut at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, where the team is determined to uphold its status as a global leader in competitive sailing.
Tom Slingsby, CEO and skipper of the BONDS Flying Roos, welcomed the actors’ involvement, commenting, “This marks an exciting milestone for our team and the sport. Having such influential figures as Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman on board brings unparalleled attention, a shared love of storytelling, and unique humour that perfectly suits our ethos.”
Elsewhere, Reynolds’ reputation in transformative sports ownership continues to grow. His stewardship of Wrexham has helped the club achieve back-to-back promotions, capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide thanks to the hit Disney+ documentary *Welcome to Wrexham*. The story of Wrexham’s resurgence has not only attracted more fans in North Wales but also created a truly international following.
The partnership between two international film stars and the Australian sailing outfit is more than a business venture – it speaks to the emerging trend of athletes and creatives blending showbusiness and sport to widen the appeal of longstanding competitions. With the SailGP series rapidly ascending in sporting prestige, all eyes will be on how Reynolds and Jackman aim to expand the reach of this fast and furious series.
The BONDS Flying Roos, buoyed by a combination of world-class athletic talent and unique celebrity backing, will undoubtedly bring a fresh energy – and perhaps a few headline-grabbing moments – to the sport of international sailing. As the racing season cascades forward, fans keen on following their exploits will be watching keenly to see if stardom and sporting excellence can indeed go hand in hand.