One of the nation’s favourite restaurants has entered into a sponsorship agreement with Cramlington Rockets.

The Northumberland-based club that was runner-up for RFL national club of the year in 2016 will see the Nando’s logo adorn the strips of its 1st team for the rest of the 2017 season.

As well as supporting the main club, Nando’s will support the club’s community department, who work with over 30 schools across Northumberland and North Tyneside.

The new partnership was announced in a launch event at Nando’s Cramlington branch that saw the over 200 of the Rockets family from Tots to the first team celebrate the news.

“We are thrilled to be sponsoring Cramlington Rockets” said Nando’s assistant manager, Daniel Nesbitt at the end of the night: “Since we opened nine months ago, the Rockets have supported us and shown how much they are part of the community of Cramlington. We share many values and we are looking forward to working with them.”

As part of the night, the new 1st team strips with the Nando’s logo were revealed as Head Coach Dave Townend announced his team for Friday’s Cup semi-final against Wallsend Eagles at Kingston Park stadium.

Each player in his 20-man squad was presented with their match jersey that they will wear as they try and book their place in the North East Cup Final.

Townend said: “It is great to see so many Rockets here tonight and it means a lot to have the support of a big name like Nando’s.”

Nando’s are joined by local firms MC-Media and Mitchell’s Garage on the shirt, adding to the club’s list of corporate partners that also includes The Education Network, JB Motors – Cramlington, Rhino Rugby and Audi.

“We are big fans on Nando’s and delighted to have them on board” added Rockets Chairman, Jeff Ball. “We are very proud to work with all our partners, combining national names with highly reputable local companies that reflect our values and ambition as a club.

We’ve been made to feel very welcome by General Manager, Leilany Jones and her team and have had a fantastic night.

The fact Leilany spent the whole night helping in the kitchen to make sure everyone got their meals quickly says a lot about them and why we are so excited to join up with them.”

The 1st team are in action this Friday 30th June at Kingston Park Stadium with a 19:30 kick off against Wallsend Eagles in the Cup Semi-final. Entry is free through the Tap & Tackle.