Warriors abandoned their razors during pre-season and instead prepared for the big kick off in beards and moustaches to help raise funds and awareness for the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment - with some eye-catching results! 

The Guinness Premiership club have provided the local regiment with DVDs of matches, rugby equipment and even sent an open invite to troops to attend games when they return.

And the squad and coaching team went a step further during the pre-season by giving a real visual seal of approval and all taking part in a facial hair competition to raise money for ‘The Soldiers Fund’.

The players judged their efforts on Wednesday morning before many took to the barber’s chair and had a shave with support from new official main club sponsor FragranceMad.com, who not only sponsored the fun event but also provided players with post shave aftershave so they smelt sweet!

The King of Shaves Battle Bus also pulled in at Sixways Stadium for a special visit on the day to help players and coaches, ready to look the part with the club’s official club photograph for the 2009/10 taking place in the afternoon.

Local barbers also gave their time to make sure the Warriors looked a cut above the rest for the big kick off with Jon Bourne, from Jon Bourne’s Barber Town, giving some players a cut throat shave.

Remember, it is not too late to donate and pledge your support for The Soldiers Fund, used to support the welfare of the soldiers that unfortunately have been injured during the latest tour of Afghanistan and also help soldiers celebrate with freedom parades on their return.

Fans who want to pledge money to The Soldiers Fund can do so by sending in cheques to The Soldiers Fund, c/o Karen Andrews, Worcester Warriors, Sixways Stadium, Warriors Way, Worcester, WR3 8ZE. We will then we will pass on all payments to the local regiment. Cheques should be made payable to ‘CENTRAL BANK 2 MERCIAN’ and marked ‘For Soldiers Fund’ on the reverse.

* Keep an eye out on Sky Sports and BBC Midlands Today in the coming weeks for a close shave with Warriors!