Sky Sports has announced it will exclusively broadcast the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, including all three Tests against the Wallabies. This highly anticipated tour will also feature six warm-up matches, promising an exciting series for rugby fans. The announcement comes as New Zealand Rugby (NZR) takes legal action against former sponsor INEOS, alleging a breach of contract.
The legal proceedings initiated by NZR involve claims that INEOS failed to pay the first installment of the 2025 sponsorship fee. The sponsorship agreement, signed in 2021, was intended to span from 2022 to 2027. It included significant branding opportunities for INEOS on the All Blacks' playing shorts and training jerseys, as well as those of other national men's and women's rugby teams. The deal was valued at £22 million.
"New Zealand Rugby is disappointed that INEOS has breached its sponsorship agreement," stated NZR.
INEOS, owned by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, informed NZR at the end of January that it would be exiting the agreement effective January 1. This decision came after INEOS had backed Britain's America's Cup bid the previous year but later announced a split with skipper Ben Ainslie's crew in January.
The breach of contract has prompted NZR to seek legal recourse to safeguard its interests and those of the wider rugby community.
"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," NZR further commented.
In addition to its involvement in rugby, INEOS made headlines in the sports world when Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in Manchester United last year. His stake in the football club increased to 28.94% by December.
Leave a Reply