New Zealand Rugby has taken legal action against billionaire Manchester United boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company INEOS over a sponsorship dispute.
Ratcliffe's chemical company signed a six year deal with NZR in 2021 which saw INEOS branding appear on All Blacks, Black Ferns and Māori All Blacks apparel.
However, an alleged failure to make their first fee payment of 2025 and attempt to terminate the deal early has prompted NZR to take action.
In a statement to ESPN, NZR said: "New Zealand Rugby [NZR] is disappointed that INEOS has breached its sponsorship agreement.
"Most recently, it failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, 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.
"Rugby in New Zealand enjoyed a strong year in 2024 with growth in community rugby through to the continued success of our free digital streaming service NZR+.
"We look forward to building on that with new partners and fulfilling our purpose of seeing rugby thrive."
INEOS responded by saying they had hoped for a "sensible agreement with the All Blacks" after being impacted by significant business challenges including high energy costs and extreme carbon taxes.
"INEOS has greatly valued our sponsorship of New Zealand Rugby, having contributed over USD $30 million to the teams in recent years," the company said in a statement.
"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."
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