New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has initiated legal proceedings against British petrochemicals company, Ineos, alleging a breach of contract. NZR claims that Ineos has prematurely terminated its sponsorship deal three years ahead of schedule, something which very few Man United fans would have had in their predictions.
In 2021, Manchester United co-owner and chairman of Ineos, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, agreed to become the performance partner of NZR for the period spanning 2022-27. This agreement included the placement of Ineos branding on the back of playing shorts and on the front of training jerseys for New Zealand’s national teams.
These teams include the three-time World Cup-winning All Blacks and six-time women’s world champions Black Ferns.
According to a statement released by New Zealand Rugby on Tuesday, it is the case that “Ineos had failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee,” thereby confirming its decision to exit from their six-year agreement early.
The statement further added: “Having learned about Ineos’ decision to walk away three years early, we have moved swiftly to protect both New Zealand Rugby and wider game interests.”
With no other option left at hand due to this unexpected turn of events, NZR said it is now compelled “to launch legal proceedings in order to protect our commercial position.”
Despite this setback with their former sponsor, NZR remains optimistic about future prospects stating that they are actively pursuing new commercial opportunities as global interest in All Blacks and other black-clad teams remains high.
This isn’t an isolated incident involving the abrupt termination involving Ineos. Last month saw them part ways with four-time Olympic champion Ben Ainslie whom they had been backing since 2018 for the Britannia America’s Cup sailing team.
In response Ainslie’s team expressed their astonishment at Ineos’ plans for the America’s Cup, stating that the decision “raises significant legal and practical obstacles for them”.
Ineos has a substantial sports portfolio which includes ownership of Swiss football team FC Lausanne-Sport and French side Nice. They are also co-owners of F1 team Mercedes and run the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team.
However, last month saw the Grenadiers announce their search for new partners with which to join forces to keep pace with competitors after experiencing their worst season in 2024.
This was confirmed by John Allert, CEO of Ineos Grenadiers who stated that “Ineos don’t want to spend more money.”
Despite these recent developments, back in 2021, Sir Dave Brailsford – director of sport at Ineos – had praised their partnership with NZR.
He had said: “The integration of the Ineos brand on this iconic kit symbolises our partnership to share best practice and collaborate on performance innovation.”
Only time will tell how this legal battle unfolds and what it means for both NZR and other teams sponsored by Ineos.
This is the latest in a line of controversial news stories involving Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe which will not be welcomed by fans of their latest acquisition Manchester United.
