The hairy faces of three Otago rugby players were shaved at Dunedin Hospital yesterday to raise about $5000 in funds for the children's ward.
Outside back Kieran Moffat said his beard had already been trimmed last month, so he could attend a wedding, after loose forward Gareth Evans had put chewing gum in it when Otago beat Auckland.
He enjoyed sporting a beard but his girlfriend was cold towards the face-warmer.
''She was counting down the days until it was cut off. She said goodbye to it this morning and I gave her a bit of a nuzzle.''
Prop Tama Tuirirangi said he rarely grew a beard but felt ''a bit naked'' after his six months' growth was shaved off in 15 minutes yesterday.
''I had a friend shave it off - she was a bit slow and worried.''
The friend, Lucy Anderson, said Tuirirangi's beard was the first beard she had shaved. The shaving was enjoyable but the underside was surprisingly thick, she said.
Tuirirangi said the men were happy with what they had raised for the children's ward.
Hooker Liam Coltman said he had grown his beard for two years before it was shaved off by Zaibatsu Hair Art hairdresser Jaimee Smith yesterday.
Many found his beard alluring, he said.
''My girlfriend likes it and was disappointed to see it go.''
A beard would be returning to his face soon, he said.
''It will be coming back very shortly but the shaving was for a good cause so it was well worth it.''
Children's ward charge nurse manager Shirley Bell said she helped shave Moffat's beard.
''The guys have been amazing raising the money. It's just awesome.''
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