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Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman shocked as Wrexham draws Chelsea in FA Cup

Two men - actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds - sit on a sofa. Jackman is giving a thumbs up to Reynolds, who is staring at his laptop, open-mouthed, looking in disbeliefInstagram

Amelia Shone-Adams

BBC Wales

Ryan Reynolds has shared his shocked reaction as he discovered his club Wrexham will face Chelsea at home in the FA Cup.

Joined by friend and fellow Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman, Reynolds recorded an expletive-laden Instagram post as the pair watched the draw live.

Reynolds and Rob Mac became the famous co-owners of Wrexham AFC in a £2m takeover in 2021, after a vote by the Wrexham Supporters Trust.

Wrexham is set to host Chelsea at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground on the fifth round of the FA Cup on 7 March.

The FA Cup operates on a random draw and has done since it began in 1871.

"Wait, wait, wait... we're home to Chelsea?" says Reynolds in disbelief during the video, before the pair clap and high five each other after the news sinks in.

Jackman tells him: "That's what you wanted!"

Reynolds captioned the video "Chelsea at the Racecourse!"

Jackman, who has supported the club since Reynolds and Mac led it to global recognition, commented on the post, saying: "I'm telling him what he wants to happen?! The madness."

Rob, left, and Ryan hold the Championship trophy on the pitch. Rob is wearing a dark-coloured polo shirt and Ryan is wearing a red hoodyGetty Images

Wrexham AFC has never won the FA Cup but has a dramatic history with the competition, having reached the quarter finals twice - once in 1973-74 and again in the 1996-97 season.

Since Reynolds and Mac took over, the team has reached the fourth round in both 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Being drawn at home to Chelsea is creating excitement amongst fans, with one commenting: "OMG Wrexham is definitely capable of beating any Premier League team. I can't even imagine how excited I'll be if the Red Dragons win."

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A statement on the Wrexham AFC website said: "Wrexham AFC will host Chelsea in the Fifth Round of the Emirates FA Cup.

"The Red Dragons beat fellow Championship side Ipswich Town in the Fourth Round, thanks to a 34th minute Josh Windass strike, which was enough to earn victory over The Tractor Boys and progress to the Fifth Round for the first time since 1997.

"Wrexham and Chelsea last met in the FA Cup back in 1982, with The Blues coming out victorious after a second replay. However, the two sides have played since then – meeting twice in pre-season. The first time in front of 50,596 supporters at Kenan Stadium in 2023 and then again in the at Levi's Stadium, the Superbowl LX venue, in 2024.

"All Fifth Round ties will take place on the weekend of Saturday March 7, with ticket information for the Cup tie released to supporters in the coming weeks."

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