Actor Crowe buys into Rabbitohs

Crowe (centre) is a life-long fan of the Rabbitohs

Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe has bought a stake in National Rugby League side South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Crowe has teamed up with businessman Peter Holmes a Court to buy the club for Aus$3m (£1.2m) for a 75% share.

Crowe addressed a meeting before the vote was taken, urging the club's members to back his bid.

"My last words to members were 'Let's vote yes, let's get into bed together. I hope you respect me in the morning," said Crowe.

"This has been a great day, it was a really amazing thing to be involved in and sitting in that room hearing person after person talk about their love for the club and how the club needs to go forward."

The South Sydney football club as it stands now doesn't represent what I represent so I'll move on Club stalwart George Piggins

Crowe's bid was only narrowly approved, with 75.8% of the club's members voting in favour of the takeover on Sunday, just above the 75% required.

The pair will not officially take over the club for about a month.

Holmes a Court plans to become executive chairman of the team, with Crowe's role not yet revealed.

Crowe's purchase of the club has not been universally welcomed.

George Piggins, a former player, coach and club president, cut his long-standing ties with the club.

"The South Sydney football club as it stands now doesn't represent what I represent, so I'll move on," said Piggins.

Crowe, who was born in New Zealand but raised in Australia, has a home in Sydney and is a life-long fan of the club.

He won an Oscar for his role in the 2000 movie Gladiator and his other films include The Insider, A Beautiful Mind and Cinderella Man.