Scotland and London Irish prop Geoff Cross has shaved off his beard after reaching a £10,000 charity target.
The 32-year-old kept the facial hair for more than a year to raise money for the Wooden Spoon organisation.
Donations from Cross's fundraising efforts will go to the children's charity, and will in turn contribute to the Arctic Rugby Challenge and John Houston's trek to the North Pole.
"This beard is really important to me because it is a way I can show support for a good friend of mine and also a good cause," Cross told BBC Radio Berkshire.
"One of my old teammates John Houston is going to try and walk to the North Pole and play a game of rugby to set a world record and that is all part of a fundraising attempt for the Wooden Spoon charity. I feel good about having my beard shaved off and I'm relieved it's off."
Cross received a donation from Harry Potter author JK Rowling during his fundraising efforts.
Danielle Joynson
