Anna 
New Zealand Rugby (NZ Rugby) has initiated legal proceedings against INEOS Group, accusing the petrochemical conglomerate of breaching a $NZD48 million ($USD27 million) sponsorship agreement. The deal, signed in 2022, was intended to last for six years, with INEOS agreeing to pay NZ Rugby NZD$8 million (USD$4.5 million) annually to sponsor the All Blacks, including both the men’s and women’s teams.
According to reports, NZ Rugby claims that INEOS has failed to pay the first installment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, prompting the legal action. The sponsorship deal was considered a significant partnership for the British-owned company, led by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe. However, NZ Rugby asserts that INEOS has sought to end the deal prematurely, citing the non-payment as evidence of their intent to withdraw from the agreement.
In a statement, NZ Rugby expressed its frustration, saying it had “no option” but to pursue legal action due to the alleged breach. The six-year sponsorship agreement, valued at approximately 22 million pounds ($NZ48.2 million), was a major investment for INEOS when it was signed, positioning the company as an official performance partner for the All Blacks through to 2027.
Reports from local news outlets suggest that the dispute may have been building over several months, with sources indicating that INEOS was seeking to exit the final three years of the deal. The situation escalated when the first payment was not made.
The controversy comes on the heels of INEOS’s announcement on January 24 that the company, under Ratcliffe’s leadership, is reviewing its sports investments as part of a broader strategy to shed what it deems “non-core assets.” The move follows INEOS Britannia’s decision to part ways with skipper Sir Ben Ainslie and his Athena Racing team for the upcoming 2024 America’s Cup.
As INEOS’ sports division oversees ventures in football, Formula 1, sailing, cycling, and running, it has quietly removed any mention of rugby from its portfolio, with the All Blacks sponsorship notably absent from the INEOS Sports website. As a result, NZ Rugby is expected to remove the INEOS logo from the team’s kit ahead of their next international match in July.
This sponsorship shakeup is reminiscent of a decade ago when New Zealand’s decision to end its long-standing tradition of a sponsor-less jersey sparked intense debate. In 2012, the All Blacks entered into a deal with AIG, worth an estimated NZD$80 million, which ran its course without any early termination.
Meanwhile, INEOS’ website continues to display details of INEOS Britannia’s challenge for the 38th America’s Cup, although it no longer features Ainslie and his team. To continue their challenge, INEOS will need to find a new British club to officially lodge the entry on their behalf. Ainslie’s team has since shifted its focus to a partnership with Mercedes F1, as reflected on their updated website.
As of now, no official date has been set for the opening of entries for the 2027 America’s Cup.
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