New Zealand Rugby takes legal action against former sponsor Ineos
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Ineos' deal with New Zealand Rugby included having its brand on the front of training jerseys.
PHOTO: REUTERS
WELLINGTON – New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has launched legal action against former sponsor Ineos for alleged breach of contract, saying that the global chemicals producer had walked away from a six-year deal three years early.
Governing body NZR and Ineos had signed a sponsorship agreement in 2021, which was to run from 2022 till 2027.
The deal included having the Ineos branding on the back of playing shorts and on the front of training jerseys for the All Blacks, the three-time world champions, and other national men’s and women’s rugby teams.
However, NZR said that Ineos had informed them at the end of January that they intended to exit the agreement effective from Jan 1.
“New Zealand Rugby is disappointed that Ineos has breached its sponsorship agreement,” NZR said in a statement on Feb 11.
“Most recently, it failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, confirming its decision to exit our six-year agreement.
“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.”
It added that it was “actively pursuing new commercial opportunities”.
Ineos, a British multinational conglomerate in London, was contacted for comment but has yet to give a reply.
Its chairman and billionaire Jim Ratcliffe owns British professional cycling team Ineos Grenadiers and has a minority stake in English Premier League football club Manchester United and Formula One’s Mercedes team.
Ineos’ involvement in United has come under the brightest spotlight since the deal was confirmed in February 2024.
Not much has changed since then for the struggling Red Devils – except for a change of manager from Erik ten Hag to Ruben Amorim – and the English giants are currently struggling in 13th in the standings.
Ratcliffe has instead been undertaking numerous off-pitch cost-cutting measures at United, including cancelling Christmas parties and increasing the price of season tickets at Old Trafford.
The Briton’s investment in football throughout the years has been underwhelming, with his French side Nice and Swiss team Lausanne-Sport not enjoying much success.
Ineos backed Britain’s America’s Cup bid in 2024 but announced in January it had split with skipper Ben Ainslie’s crew, who lost 7-2 to New Zealand in the final series.
The company also partnered Kenyan long-distance running king Eliud Kipchoge, who failed to finish a marathon for the first time at the 2024 Paris Olympics. REUTERS, AFP
