IF the New Zealand All Blacks go on to win the Rugby World Cup, a Darlington eatery can claim to have helped fuel the squad to success.

For The Bay Horse in Hurworth catered for the full New Zealand rugby squad and team staff when they popped in for an evening meal this week.

The 60-strong group tucked into meals of venison, cod, chicken and lamb after the squad nutritionist visited The Bay Horse at the weekend to ensure that there would be enough meat in stock to feed the players who consume around 14 ounces in one sitting.

Restaurant owner and chef Marcus Bennett said it was “a pleasure” to cook for the All Blacks whom he described as a quiet, polite and respectful group.

He added: “It’s a shame that England got knocked out, but I think all the guys here are following New Zealand now.

“It is good for the town and it is great for the area to host the team; they are the best in the world after all.”

The All Blacks are in Darlington until Friday when they will travel to Newcastle to face Tonga at St James' Park.