The stand-in All Blacks captain will soon be a little less recognisable.

Sam Whitelock has pledged to shave his head, and his trademark bushy beard, as part of a fundraiser for a young girl who lost her mother to cancer.

Former All Blacks Logistics Manager Chalky Carr, who himself has terminal cancer, is raising money for a nest egg for the seven-year-old girl Isla - who is being brought up by her grandparents.

He said it's given him something else to focus on.

''Which has been good for the soul to help me through the recent dark times through chemo. It's really enlightening to be able to do something for someone else.''

Meanwhile Sam Whitelock said he's proud to be part of a great cause.

''I've had my beard for a long time, I love growing it out, but my wife is keen for me to take it off.''

He will face the clippers next Sunday after returning from the All Blacks' northern tour.