The petrochemical company, which owns a minority stake in Manchester United, allegedly cut short a long-term sponsorship deal.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has launched legal action against former sponsor INEOS for alleged breach of contract, saying the global chemicals producer had walked away from a six-year deal three years early.

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.