THE WORLD’S third-greatest beard has its roots in Rugby.
Hirsute Rugbeian Lee Andrews won the bronze medal at the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Austin, Texas.
The 50-year-old furniture industry salesman claimed third place among 700 competitors from around the globe.
Lee, also the current British champion in the full beard and styled moustache category, said: “I’ve been into competitive bearding for some time now. I do a lot of competitions and have won seven.”
The gold medal in his category was Scott Metts, from Orlando, while the silver medal went to Owen Hicks, from Nashville.
Lee (left) shared the podium with gold winner Scott Metts (centre) and silver medallist Owen Hicks (right) at the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Austin, Texas. (s)
Lee said: “For me, it was a massive honour to stand on the medal podium with those two guys, who are previous national and world champions. I will never forget it.”
His partner Kelly was ‘ecstatic’ about his win, having watched the event unfold live on the internet.
Dapper Lee, who complements his look with tweed suits, waistcoats and pocket-watches rather than biker leathers, first got the beard bug as a youngster watching Brian Blessed as Prince Vultan in the 1980 film Flash Gordon.
