New Zealand Rugby launches legal action against Ineos over sponsorship New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has launched legal action against Ineos after the company, which is founded and run by the British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, allegedly dropped a sponsorship agreement with three years remaining.
Ineos branding appears on jerseys and other clothing worn by the men’s and women’s senior sides – the All Blacks and Black Ferns – as well as the New Zealand Māori team and New Zealand sevens teams after a deal signed in 2022, which was due to continue until 2028.
New Zealand Rugby said on Tuesday the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship had not been paid by the global chemical giant and it had no choice but to proceed with legal action.
“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 added.
Ratcliffe is a minority shareholder in Premier League football club Manchester United, and his company sponsors the British America’s Cup sailing team and the Ineos Grenadiers professional cycling team.
