The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZR) has taken legal action against Ineos, its former sponsor, for alleged breach of contract. The decision comes after Ineos, a British chemical giant, reportedly failed to make the initial sponsorship payment for 2025, signaling its intention to exit the agreement three years ahead of schedule. The sponsorship contract between NZR and Ineos was signed in 2021 and was set to run from 2022 to 2027.

The sponsorship deal included Ineos branding on the playing shorts and training jerseys of several national teams, including the All Blacks and the Black Ferns. Sir Dave Brailsford, Ineos’ Director of Sport, emphasized in 2021 the importance of the partnership in driving innovation and sharing best practices among teams.

LEGAL DISPUTE

NZR expressed disappointment over Ineos’ decision to breach the sponsorship agreement and stated that they were forced to take legal action to protect their commercial interests. According to NZR, Ineos failed to make the first sponsorship payment for 2025, confirming its decision to terminate the six-year agreement.

Ineos also severed ties with four-time champion Ben Ainslie, who had been supported by the company in the Britannia Cup team since 2018. The company stated that it was unable to reach an agreement with Ainslie regarding the “terms to proceed” following last year’s competition in Barcelona.