Russell Crowe scraps Souths' cheerleaders

Russell Crowe

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Cheerleaders have been scrapped by the South Sydney Rabbitohs because it made their fans, including male supporters, "uncomfortable", club co-owner and actor Russell Crowe says.

The NRL team made the decision to scrap the pom-poms this season and replace them with a drumming band for their home matches.

Crowe told Australia's The Daily Telegraph the decision was about trying to make the games a positive experience for the crowd.

"It (cheerleaders) makes women uncomfortable and it makes blokes who take their son to the football also uncomfortable," he said.

"But we are thankful for the time and effort the girls put in and some of them probably will be disappointed."

Crowe said he had a positive reaction from fans, particularly women and his own wife Danielle Spencer when they heard the news.

- AAP