New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is suing chemical giant Ineos after claiming the major sponsor of the All Blacks and Manchester United football team has walked away from the multi-million deal three years early.
A report in the New Zealand Herald on Tuesday said the NZR has told the provincial unions it was launching legal action in response to Ineos’ failure to making its first sponsorship payment of 2025.
NZR chief communications officer, Paul Stevens, said in a statement released to the Herald that NZR had no option but to start legal proceedings.
“New Zealand Rugby is disappointed that Ineos has breached its sponsorship agreement. Most recently, it failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, confirming its decision to exit our six-year agreement.
Rieko Ioane of New Zealand reacts as he performs the Haka prior to the Autumn Nations Series 2025 match between England and New Zealand All Blacks at the Allianz Stadium on November 02, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)
“Having learned of Ineos’ decision to walk away three years early, we have moved to protect the interests of New Zealand Rugby and the wider game. We have been left with no option but to launch legal proceedings to protect our commercial position.
“NZR is actively pursuing new commercial opportunities and global interest in the All Blacks and other Teams in Black remains high. We are committed to being world-class on and off the field and deliver unique value to sponsors through our iconic brands.”
Ineos, owed by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, signed a six-year sponsorship deal with NZR in 2022. Its branding appears on the All Blacks, the Black Ferns and both sevens sides’ jerseys.
Ineos was one of three major sponsors of the All Blacks, alongside adidas and Altrad and the deal was reported to be worth $8 million a year to NZR.
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