Cameron Russell

Bet's a Bet: Losing My 5-Year Mane – Support My Shave! 🧡

Hey there! If you're reading this, it's because I'm about to say goodbye to five years of luscious locks that've grown down to my mid-back. Why? Well, I made a cheeky bet with my Under-13 rugby team: if they could topple the undefeated giants in their grade during their final season together, I'd shave it all off. Those kids – whom I've coached since they were a chaotic mob of six-year-olds chasing the ball in Rippa Rugby – pulled off a nail-biting victory against their biggest rivals. They did it! So here I am, clippers in hand, ready to go bald for a great cause.

But let's rewind to early 2020, smack in the middle of lockdown. A nasty concussion left me with loss of memory, wild emotions, and feeling like a total stranger in my own skin. My best mate since age five called me out: "Mate, you're a shell of yourself – almost unrecognizable." Ouch, but spot on. That gut-punch sparked a full life overhaul. I ditched my carnivore ways for a veggie/vegan vibe. Ran a marathon on two rebuilt knees (and nearly broke them again doing it). Boxed in a charity match and slogged 100km in gumboots raising money for kids mental health. Oh, and I quit my decade-long video game career cold turkey. And yeah, I grew out my hair (a lot!) as part of building this "new me."

Fast-forward to now: I'm engaged to the love of my life, we've welcomed our amazing daughter, and coaching my little brother's rugby crew has been the highlight reel. Watching those kids evolve into a tight-knit team of young guns (guys and girls alike) giving it everything? Priceless. These past five years have leveled me up as a son, partner, brother, father, friend, and coach. I traded career climbs for personal growth. Tough at times, but the best bet I've ever made.

With the shave happening now, I'm celebrating the end of this epic era by raising funds for a cause that touches everyone – blood cancer support through Shave for a Cure. What better way to say goodbye to my hair than by helping a cause that's all about saying goodbye to cancer? It's not just about the chop; it's about comebacks, community, and standing with those in tougher fights. If my story hits home, toss in a donation, every little bit counts – let's make this head-shave spark real change and help a good cause! Cheers!