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

Crowe, along with businessman partner, Peter Holmes a Court, submitted a bid to the club's members to buy a 75 per cent share of the club for AUS$3m (£1.2m, US$2.16m, Euro1.78m).

The bid was only narrowly approved, with 75.8 per cent of members voting in favour, just above the 75 per cent threshold required.

Crowe, who won an Oscar for his role in the film Gladiator, is reported to be an enthusiastic fan of rugby league and a devoted follower of the Rabbitohs.