New Zealand Rugby takes legal action against former sponsor INEOS
NZR and INEOS signed a sponsorship agreement in 2021
©Photo by Pauline Ballet - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has initiated legal proceedings against former sponsor INEOS, alleging a breach of contract after the global chemicals company pulled out of their six-year agreement three years early.
The sponsorship deal, signed in 2021, was set to run from 2022 to 2027, with INEOS branding featured on the All Blacks’ playing shorts and training jerseys, as well as on the uniforms of other national men’s and women’s teams.
NZR revealed that INEOS informed them in January of its intent to exit the agreement effective from January 1, 2025.
The governing body claims that the British multinational conglomerate failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, effectively confirming its withdrawal from the partnership.
In response, NZR expressed its disappointment over the breach, stating that legal action was necessary to protect its commercial position.
"New Zealand Rugby is disappointed that INEOS has breached its sponsorship agreement," NZR said in an official statement.
"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."
INEOS, a British multinational based in London, has an expanding presence in global sports. The company, owned by billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, holds a minority stake in Premier League football club Manchester United and also owns British professional cycling team Grenadiers.
Additionally, INEOS was a major backer of Britain's America's Cup sailing bid but announced in January that it had split from Ben Ainslie’s team, which lost 7-2 to New Zealand in the final series.
INEOS is yet to comment on the legal action initiated by New Zealand Rugby. As the case unfolds, NZR remains firm in its stance to uphold contractual agreements and protect its financial interests in the global rugby landscape.
