Talking Movember With Rob Webber

Bath Rugby hooker Rob Webber is one of many men around the country who will have a particularly warm upper lip in the month of November, as he embarks upon the challenge of Movember and grows out the face fuzz to raise awareness and money for a great cause.

We caught up with Webber as he approached the 12 day mark of Movember, to find out more about his money raising exploits and how the period of growth itself was going...

Hello Rob, Thanks for your time. Can you tell us a little more about what you are raising money for, and your thoughts on the concept of Movember itself?

"I'm raising money for men's health, it's a really import topic which often doesn't get enough coverage. The impact of prostate and testicular cancer on lives is substantial, with prostate cancer being the second most common cancer in men worldwide and the number of cases expected to almost double to 1.7 million cases by 2030. Movember is a great campaign that helps to do this through a fun method."

Your Movember page says 'To change the face of men's health' - how important do you think Movember can be?"

"I think it can be very important. Movember has gained so much exposure in recent years and as sportsmen we are in the public eye and we can really help that exposure. Gender is one of the strongest and most consistent predictors of health and life expectancy. For men, this is not good news. On average, across the world, men die 6 years earlier than women.

You're 12 days in so far - We've seen the social media updates but how is the 'mo' feeling?

"I'm definitely looking forward to it filling out! But from being clean shaved 11 days ago to now I'm pretty happy with my progress."

We're used to seeing you on the rugby field with a bit of stubble... could the 'mo' become a permanent fixture if you get too fond of it? 

"Absolutely! I do enjoy a beard but a well kept Mo can be a very distinguished look."

Are you planning to groom it? Or just let it flourish and do its own thing?

"I'll keep it trimmed and look after it. You get out what you put in when it comes to Mo growth."

Talking facial hair then, what are the plus sides of a man sporting a fine moustache, especially in the sport of rugby?

People definitely take you more seriously with moustache. That's always good on the rugby field.

And what about the downsides?

 

"Hmm, there a couple of lads that would struggle. For example, skipper Stuart Hooper has only ever shaved twice in all his adult years."

 

What would be your message to guys who haven't got involved in Movember before? 

 

"Just get stuck in. It's only a month and the positive effect you can have from what is ultimately a bit of fun can only be a good thing."

 

You may have heard of 'Decembeard', where some men are continuing with the mo but growing in the beard at the same time - is something you'd consider? 

 

"Given that's my normal vibe I don't see why not!"

 

And on that note, are you more of a beard, moustache or clean-shaven kind of guy?

 

"Definitely beard or Mo. Not clean shaven."

 

 

Click here or the image below to visit Rob Webber's 'Mospace'