London Scottish players traded the training ground for the kitchen for one night only yesterday as they took over Nando’s in Richmond as part of a new partnership between the Club and the Restaurant.

Players were deployed on the grills, behind the tills, serving food and even welcoming guests at the front door as they were put through their paces working an evening shift at Richmond Nando's on Hill Rise.

Jim Thompson, Jamie Stevenson, Richard Bolt, Adam Kwasnicki, Oli Grove, PJ Gidlow, Paul Spivey, Tyler Hotson, Eric Fry, Josh Thomas-Brown, Craig McGrath and Lewis Thiede were in place between 6pm and 8.30pm and, after receiving a health and safety brief from Nando's staff, they set about their task with impressive enthusiasm.

The players fitted in seamlessly alongside the Nando's staff and adapted to the task admirably, keeping a smile on their faces as they served customers during the busy evening period.

Guests in the restaurant were also asked for donations to the London Scottish Game Changers charity, with over £100 raised thanks to generous contributions.

Oli Grove, who was tasked with taking orders behind the till, said: “It was a great evening at Nando’s and a really fun experience for myself and the rest of the players. We were given a lot of help by the staff in the restaurant and we really enjoyed the opportunity to try our hands at something new. Some of the players were naturals, especially Lewis Thiede on welcoming duties!”

The takeover was part of a new partnership between London Scottish and Nando’s, with the Nando’s Cup taking place at the Club on Wednesday 27th March. This tournament is open to Year 5 and Year 6 age groups only and will take the format of a Sevens tournament, with a maximum squad size of 10 players per school and a minimum of 3 girls per squad. Prizes will include Nando’s food giveaways, complimentary Nando’s food for all on the day, signed London Scottish jerseys and London Scottish match day tickets.