Nz Rugby Sues Chemicals Giant Ineos Over Sponsorship Deal

New Zealand Rugby said on Tuesday it was launching legal action against British chemicals giant Ineos, accusing the company of walking away from a sponsorship deal.

Owned by billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos has stakes in a string of prominent sporting brands including Manchester United, Mercedes Formula 1 and the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team.

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Ineos has been one of the All Blacks' major sponsors since signing a six-year deal for an undisclosed sum in 2021.

Governing body New Zealand Rugby said Ineos had 'breached its sponsorship agreement' by failing to stump up with 'the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee'.