Acting legend Russell Crowe reveals how FOOTY led him to the love of his life

Gladiator star Russell Crowe, who is also the co-owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL team, has revealed how rugby league helped him find love.

The 61-year-old has spoken publicly to Joe Rogan as a guest on the 'Joe Rogan Experience' podcast.

Crowe and Rogan discussed a variety of topics in their almost three hour discussion, which has been played over 1 million times on Spotify.

But it was rugby league, and the simple nature of being able to understand the sport, even as a newcomer, that was brought up.

Crowe, who has now been dating girlfriend Britney Theriot for five years, has explained that one of the main reasons he started being attracted to the 33-year-old, was her ability to pick up the sport quickly.

'My girlfriend at the moment, Britney, [her ability to understand the game within a matter of minutes], was one of the reasons I really started being attracted to her ', he told Rogan.

When speaking about rugby league and it's potential for growth in the US, Crowe revealed how the way it is refereed might prove challenging.

'Rugby league is a very easy game for Americans to follow. Now, how it's refereed becomes frustrating for American audiences, because there's so much room for interpretation', he said.

Crowe has been involved in rugby league ever since childhood, as a supporter of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

But it was in 2006 that he took his loyalty to another level, by purchasing a 75 per cent stake that was worth $3 million.

Crowe subsequently became a co-owner of the club, and helped save the team from financial distress.

He saw the Rabbitohs break a 43-year premiership drought back in 2014, and remains as one of rugby league's most recognisable faces.

Crowe's relationship with Theriot has been a major talking point in recent times, over rumours the pair are now engaged. 

But the divorced father-of-two, who was previously married to singer Danielle Spencer, has revealed he never intends to marry again.