New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has initiated legal proceedings against Ineos, the multinational chemicals company owned by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, after the firm allegedly withdrew from a sponsorship deal with three years remaining on the contract.
Ineos has been a major sponsor of New Zealand Rugby since 2022, with its branding prominently displayed on the jerseys and clothing of the national teams, including the All Blacks, Black Ferns, New Zealand Māori team, and the sevens teams. The agreement, originally set to run until 2028, now appears to have been abruptly ended by the company, prompting NZR to take legal action.
NZR announced that Ineos failed to pay the first instalment of its 2025 sponsorship obligation, a move that confirmed the company’s decision to exit the six-year deal prematurely. Paul Stevens, NZR’s chief communications officer, expressed disappointment over what the organization sees as a breach of contract.
“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,” Stevens said. “We have been left with no option but to launch legal proceedings to protect our commercial position.”
The sponsorship deal, reportedly worth around $4.5 million per year (£3.64m/NZ$8m), was a significant financial boost for NZR. With Ineos stepping away, the governing body is now actively seeking new commercial partnerships to fill the gap left by the sudden withdrawal.
Despite this setback, Stevens remains optimistic about securing new sponsors, stating that global interest in the All Blacks and other New Zealand teams remains strong. The All Blacks, in particular, are one of the most recognizable and successful rugby teams in the world, making them an attractive option for potential sponsors.
Ineos has yet to comment publicly on the situation or explain the reasons behind its decision to end the sponsorship early. The company is involved in several high-profile sports sponsorships, including backing the Ineos Grenadiers professional cycling team and the British America’s Cup sailing team. Additionally, Ineos has significant investments in European football, holding ownership stakes in French club OGC Nice and Swiss side Lausanne-Sport.
Beyond its sports ventures, Ineos has also made headlines for its involvement in football, with Ratcliffe recently acquiring a minority stake in Manchester United. His growing influence in global sports has made his company a key player in high-profile sponsorships, making the sudden withdrawal from the NZR deal all the more surprising.
For New Zealand Rugby, the immediate priority is mitigating the financial and reputational impact of Ineos’ exit. With legal action underway, the organization will be looking to secure damages or compensation while simultaneously pursuing new sponsorship opportunities.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the business side of rugby, where financial stability is crucial for maintaining the game’s development at both grassroots and elite levels. NZR’s legal challenge against Ineos will likely be closely watched in the sports business world, as it raises questions about the reliability of long-term sponsorship deals and the potential consequences of early terminations.
While the legal dispute unfolds, the All Blacks and other New Zealand teams will continue to prepare for upcoming international fixtures, albeit under a cloud of commercial uncertainty. NZR remains confident that its strong global brand will help attract new partners and ensure the continued success of its teams on and off the field.
