The long-running sponsorship dispute between British multinational conglomerate Ineos and New Zealand Rugby (NZR), the official body behind the legendary All Blacks, has now been settled through a confidential agreement.
The disagreement, which escalated to legal action earlier this year, originated from a missed payment under a multi-year commercial partnership.
In February, NZR revealed it had initiated legal action against Ineos, chaired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, following an alleged breach of a six-year sponsorship agreement. The rugby federation claimed that Ineos had failed to deliver the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship payment.
“New Zealand Rugby is disappointed that Ineos has breached its sponsorship agreement. 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.”
Ineos, meanwhile, defended its position by attributing its financial constraints to mounting energy costs and stringent carbon taxes in Europe. The company claimed these factors had severely impacted its European operations, prompting the need to revisit the terms of its commercial commitments.
“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.”
Confidential Resolution Reached
On Monday evening, both parties issued a joint statement confirming the matter had been resolved amicably, without disclosing specific details.
“New Zealand Rugby and INEOS can confirm that a settlement has been reached between the two parties. Whilst the details remain confidential, both organisations are satisfied with the outcome and acknowledge a desire to now move forward.”
The dispute concludes a chapter in what was once seen as a high-profile partnership between two sporting and industrial giants.
Who is Ineos?
Ineos Group Ltd is one of the largest chemical companies in the world, founded in 1998 by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Headquartered in London, Ineos operates across a range of sectors including petrochemicals, oil and gas, automotive, and consumer brands.
With more than 180 sites in 26 countries, the company employs over 26,000 people. Ineos is known not only for its industrial prowess but also for its increasing presence in the sporting world:
- It owns the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team (formerly Team Sky).
- In 2019, it backed Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon attempt.
- In 2020, it acquired Nice Football Club in France.
- In 2023, it purchased a minority stake in Manchester United, taking over football operations in 2024.
Ineos’ foray into rugby came in 2021 when it entered into a six-year sponsorship deal with New Zealand Rugby, aiming to align its brand with the global appeal of the All Blacks.
Inside New Zealand Rugby: The History and Glory of the All Blacks
New Zealand Rugby (NZR), formerly known as the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), is the national governing body responsible for overseeing rugby union in New Zealand.
Founded in 1892, NZR manages all levels of rugby in the country—from grassroots development to elite national representation. It is one of the most respected and successful rugby administrations globally, owing much of its prestige to the enduring dominance of its flagship team, the All Blacks.
The All Blacks, New Zealand’s men’s national rugby union team, are widely regarded as the most successful team in the history of international rugby.
They are famous not only for their consistently high win rate but also for their pre-match haka, a traditional Māori war dance that has become an iconic symbol of their cultural pride and sporting spirit.
- First international match: 15 August 1903 vs. Australia
- Winning percentage: Over 77% in Test matches
- World Rugby Ranking: Frequently ranked No.1 globally
Major Achievements and Historic Victories
Rugby World Cup Titles
The All Blacks are three-time Rugby World Cup champions, a feat matched only by South Africa:
| Year | Tournament Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | New Zealand & Australia | Champions (defeated France 29–9) |
| 2011 | New Zealand | Champions (defeated France 8–7) |
| 2015 | England | Champions (defeated Australia 34–17) |
They were also runners-up in 1995 and 2023 and have never failed to reach at least the quarterfinals in any World Cup tournament.
The Rugby Championship (formerly Tri Nations)
The All Blacks have won the Southern Hemisphere’s premier annual rugby competition a record number of times:
- 20 titles as of 2023 (including Tri Nations era)
- Regularly dominate fierce rivals like South Africa, Australia, and Argentina
Bledisloe Cup
Contested annually with Australia, the All Blacks have held the Bledisloe Cup for the majority of its history since its inception in 1931.
British & Irish Lions Series
- Won historic series in 1904, 1930, 1959, 1966, 1971, 1983, 2005, and drew the 2017 series
- The 2005 series was particularly dominant, with a 3–0 whitewash over the Lions
Notable Players in History
The All Blacks have produced some of the greatest rugby players of all time, including:
- Richie McCaw – Most-capped All Black and two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain
- Dan Carter – One of the best fly-halves in rugby history
- Jonah Lomu – Global icon known for his power and pace
- Kieran Read, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, and Beauden Barrett – All household names in global rugby
Cultural and Sporting Legacy
Beyond the pitch, the All Blacks represent a unifying force in New Zealand society. The team embodies national pride, cultural heritage, and sportsmanship, often serving as ambassadors for Māori traditions and New Zealand’s global sporting identity. Their haka, black kit, and disciplined playing style are symbols recognised far beyond the rugby world.
