New Zealand Rugby accuses Ineos of breaching sponsorship agreement

The federation says it will launch legal proceedings against the chemicals firm.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe pictured at a Manchester United match — Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his company, Ineos, have been accused of failing to honour the terms of a sponsorship agreement with New Zealand Rugby (Mike Egerton/PA)

Manchester United co-owner Ineos has been accused of failing to honour a sponsorship agreement with New Zealand Rugby.

The federation responsible for the All Blacks team says it has launched legal action against the chemicals firm founded by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe after alleging that the first instalment of 2025 sponsorship money due under a six-year agreement struck in 2021 had not been paid.

It follows the severing of ties between Ineos and Sir Ben Ainslie at the head of its America’s Cup sailing team last month.

New Zealand Rugby said in a widely reported statement: “New Zealand Rugby is disappointed that Ineos has breached its sponsorship agreement.

New Zealand’s Maia Joseph (left) in action during the Women’s International match at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London — Ineos signed a six-year agreement to become the official performance partner of New Zealand Rugby’s national teams in 2021 (David Davies/PA)

“Most recently, it failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship, confirming its decision to exit our six-year agreement.

“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.

“We have been left with no option but to launch legal proceedings to protect our commercial position. NZR is actively pursuing new commercial opportunities and global interest in the All Blacks and other Teams in Black remains high.”

Ineos released a statement later on Tuesday which read: “Ineos has greatly valued our sponsorship of New Zealand Rugby, having contributed over 30 million US dollars to the teams in recent years.

“However, 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. We are witnessing the deindustrialisation of Europe.

“As a result, we have had to implement cost-saving measures across the business. 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.

“We remain in ongoing discussion with New Zealand Rugby.”

There is no longer any mention of its All Blacks partnership on the Ineos Sports home page.

Ineos’ co-ownership of United has been turbulent to say the least.

The club opted to stand by Erik ten Hag as head coach in the summer but dismissed him last October after a poor start to the season.

Results have failed to improve under his successor Ruben Amorim, and in December it was confirmed Dan Ashworth had left his post as sporting director, having only been in post since July last year.

Sir Dave Brailsford, one of Ratcliffe’s key sports advisors at Ineos, is reported to have taken on a more hands-on role at United since Ashworth’s exit.

Ineos and Ratcliffe have also drawn criticism over a series of cost-cutting measures they have embarked upon, including a redundancy programme. Fans have also expressed outrage over the mid-season decision to remove concessionary prices for general admission tickets.