A RUGBY ace famed for his flowing locks has gone for the chop in honour of his team mate’s sick son.

Crusaders star Jarrod Sammut had his long hair and moustache shaved off in aid of childhood cancer charity Candlelighters and the Crusaders Players Association.

The daring feat was inspired by teammate Richard Moore’s son, who has been diagnosed with leukaemia.

Tweeting after the event Sammut said: “Can’t be more pleased with how today went. Thank you again to all who turned up and showed their support.”

The scrum half went for the chop at the Wrexham branch of Barclays Bank, which sponsored the charity feat.

And it was lucky Crusaders’ fan Simon Jones who was let loose with the clippers after winning the chance to shave Sammut’s head.

Andrew Buchan from Barclays, which has agreed to match fund the money raised, said: “It was a great turnout, really good to see the fans, customers and staff pull together.

“Barclays Premier look after quite a lot of the players, so it’s good to give something back.”

Fans are also fundraising in honour of Moore’s son.

Supporters are staging a sponsored walk from the Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium to the DW stadium in Wigan on September 8, starting at 8am.

Organiser Dave Forward said: “One of our best players has had to cope with his son suffering from leukaemia.

“He has shown what a player he is by playing for us and coping with that, so we as supporters want to show this hasn’t gone unnoticed and do something to show him how much we appreciate what he has done for us.”

Sammut will be leaving Crusaders for Bradford Bulls at the end of the season after the club decided to withdraw their application to stay in the Super League.

Fans are now looking to be involved in a possible takeover to see the club continue a level below in the Co-operative Championship league.

Maurice Jones, Crusaders' supporters club committee member, was involved in encouraging supporters to sign an online ‘Save the Cru’ petition.

He said: "We need as many people as possible to sign the petition and help.
“There has been a lot of good work done in the past two years in developing rugby league in this area and we want to see that continue.”

 THE team played their final Super League home game against Hull FC on Sunday at the Racecourse ground.

The club’s future has been in doubt since officials announced last month they were withdrawing an application to stay in Super League.

A heavy defeat against Hull FC brought the curtain down on The Racecourse hosting Crusaders’ Super League matches after two years.

Despite the club having found itself in a desperate battle to avoid finishing bottom of the table, the day saw the efforts of the players celebrated and fans invaded the pitch at the end to show their appreciation.

Maurice Jones, Crusaders' supporters club committee member, said: "It's a very emotional time for all of us as we say goodbye to the players and staff.

"We have so much respect for how they have conducted themselves in recent weeks and the bond between us is very strong.

"They have been extremely approachable and made themselves available to the fans."