THREE of Nottingham Rugby's powerhouses have been showing their softer side in aid of charity.

Craig Hammond, Nic Rouse and Michael Holford got into the festive spirit, swapping their shorts for Santa suits in aid of When You Wish Upon A Star.

The Green and Whites players took time out of their preparations for this week's crunch match against London Welsh on Friday night to help promote the Nottingham Santa Run.

The event, which takes place at Wollaton Park on Sunday, features hundreds of people dressed in Santa suits completing a 5k run around the park's grounds.

Entry costs £12.50 per adult and £7.50 for juniors and the money raised from the event will enable 400 children and their families to go on the charity's annual trip to Lapland, where they will get the chance to meet the real Santa.

The players have taken the cause to their hearts and agreed to help raise awareness of the charity further, with club captain Hammond choosing it as the charity that will benefit from his testimonial year in 2012.

He said: "Having three young children myself makes the work these guys do really hit home.

"It's devastating to think what the parents of children who are suffering go through.

"Yet I'm always staggered by the bravery and strength of the children and their support networks.

"We'll certainly be doing all we can and I hope that the people of Nottingham will sign up for the Santa Run and help towards one of the best Christmas presents they'll ever be able to give."

Holford said: "This really is a fantastic charity. It's heartbreaking to know what some of the children the charity helps are going through and this is particularly relevant at Christmas.

"To be able to grant wishes for these children is a truly special thing to be able to do and the charity deserves every bit of support that can be given."

Rouse added: "The Santa Run is a really fun event. It's quite a sight seeing that many Santas hot-footing it around a park.

"I urge everyone to sign up and give it a go as the money you raise will help make dreams come true for children who sadly may not have many Christmases left."

Proceeds from the charity's activities go towards granting the wishes of children suffering from life threatening illnesses.

Fundraising manager for When You Wish Upon A Star Sarah Madden said: "It's great that the lads have given up their time to help us promote the Santa Run.

"It becomes very emotional when Santa meets the children in Lapland and to see this great giant of a man listening to a small child, intently telling him all their hopes and dreams and really believing in him, is very moving.

"These trips mean the children, just for one day, can forget about their pain and suffering in the excitement of meeting Santa Claus."