February 18, 2025 14:42

British chemical giant Ineos has officially ended its multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal with the New Zealand national rugby team, the legendary All Blacks.
The company had invested more than $30 million in the partnership over the past few years.

In a statement, Ineos cited cost-cutting measures and a legal dispute with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) as the primary reasons for pulling out. The conflict arose after Ineos requested a revision of sponsorship terms, originally set to run until 2028, a move that prompted NZR to file a lawsuit against its sponsor.

"Trading conditions for our European businesses have been severely impacted by high energy costs and extreme carbon taxes, along with much of the chemicals industry in Europe, which is struggling or shutting down," Ineos stated. "We are witnessing the deindustrialisation of Europe. As a result, we have had to implement cost-saving measures across the business".
The statement continued: "We sought to reach a sensible agreement with the All Blacks to adjust our sponsorship in light of these challenges. Unfortunately, rather than working towards a managed solution, New Zealand Rugby have chosen to pursue legal action against their sponsor."

New Zealand Rugby responded with a statement of its own, accusing Ineos of failing to pay the first installment of its 2025 sponsorship fee, effectively confirming its decision to terminate the six-year deal three years early. NZR stated it had no choice but to take legal action to protect its commercial interests.

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