New Zealand Rugby takes legal action against Man Utd owners INEOS for alleged breach of contract

11 February 2025, 07:58 | Updated: 11 February 2025, 09:04

New Zealand Rugby has launched legal action against former sponsor INEOS for alleged breach of contract, saying the global chemicals producer had walked away from a six-year deal three years early.

Governing body NZR and INEOS - owned by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe - signed a sponsorship agreement in 2021 which was to run from 2022-27, but the alleged breach has forced them to cut ties.

The deal included INEOS branding on the back of playing shorts and on the front of training jerseys for the three-time world champion All Blacks and other national men's and women's rugby teams.

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