New Zealand Rugby and INEOS Reach Settlement Over Sponsorship Dispute

New Zealand Rugby and INEOS have reached a settlement over a sponsorship dispute that arose when INEOS failed to make a payment.

New Zealand Rugby has reached a settlement with INEOS, the British chemicals giant, after a sponsorship dispute earlier this year. The issue began when New Zealand Rugby accused INEOS of breaching their sponsorship agreement by failing to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, effectively exiting their six-year agreement three years early.

INEOS, owned by billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, has significant stakes in various prominent sporting brands, including Manchester United and the Mercedes Formula 1 team. The company had initially sought to adjust the sponsorship deal with New Zealand Rugby as part of cost-saving measures due to high energy costs and extreme carbon taxes affecting their European businesses.

Although the details of the settlement remain confidential, both parties have expressed satisfaction with the outcome and a desire to move forward. New Zealand Rugby's chief executive, Mark Robinson, mentioned that the federation is in “positive talks” to find a replacement sponsor, citing the strength of their brand and financial position.

🚨 New Zealand Rugby is taking legal action against INEOS, the co-owners of Manchester United, and have accused Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company of breaching their lucrative sponsorship deal and failing to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship deal.

(Source: @Telegraph) pic.twitter.com/ReB01MUxnk

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 11, 2025

In 2021, INEOS signed a six-year agreement to become a major sponsor of the All Blacks. However, the partnership hit a roadblock in February when New Zealand Rugby accused INEOS of defaulting on their sponsorship obligations. Specifically, INEOS allegedly failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, prompting New Zealand Rugby to threaten legal action.

New Zealand Rugby's governing body stated in February that they would take legal action “to protect the interests of New Zealand Rugby and the wider game.” However, on Tuesday, both parties announced that the dispute had been resolved. A joint statement issued by New Zealand Rugby and INEOS read: “New Zealand Rugby and INEOS can confirm that a settlement has been reached between the two parties.”

The joint statement continued: “Whilst the details remain confidential, both organisations are satisfied with the outcome and acknowledge a desire to now move forward.” As part of the original sponsorship deal, INEOS branding was prominently displayed on the All Blacks' shorts and training shirts.