Mr Hodgson said he will help the charity in any way he can

Mr Hodgson, from Halifax, said it was a great charity for him to support as he had twice played in games where players had been airlifted from the field.

"The costs that go into running an air ambulance are unbelievable and if I can help in any way I will," he said.

Since it was established in 2000, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance has transported more than 800 patients to hospital.

Mr Hodgson, 25, marked his England debut in November 2001 with a record-breaking 44 points against Romania, the most by any England player in a test match, when England won 134-0.

'Public support'

He now plays for the Sale Sharks in Cheshire.

Chief executive of the charity Martin Eede said they were delighted to have Mr Hodgson's support.

"Charlie is really making his mark in the world of rugby union and is proud of his Yorkshire roots," he said.

"We are thrilled that he has thrown his weight behind the charity which is reliant on public support to enable it to continue saving lives across the region."