Podcasts about New Zealand Rugby

This week o we're re-releasing one of our favourite episodes with Sir Wayne Smith.Smithy is one of the most respected and accomplished figures in New Zealand Rugby history – an absolute legend of the game.He was a 17-cap All Black who went on to win three World Cups - two as All Blacks assistant coach, and one with the Black Ferns.He's also been the All Blacks coach, won four Super Rugby titles as a coach, two with the Crusaders and two with the Chiefs.In this episode we talk about the differences between coaching men and women, what rule changes he'd like to see in the game, why he was sacked as All Blacks coach and the hardest moments of his career in 2007, his fairy tale ride with the Black Ferns, where his resilience comes from and much, much more.There's a reason Wayne is considered one of world rugby's greatest thinkers, and this was a fascinating insight into how his brain works. It was a real honour getting to share so much of his time, and it's easy to see why his players are all so connected to him as a person and a coach.This episode was recorded in October 2023.This episode is brought to you by TAB, download the new app today and get your bet on!Between Two Beers is now part of the Acast Creator Network, listen wherever you get your podcasts from, or watch the video on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All Blacks utility back David Havili has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders until after the 2027 World Cup.

All Blacks utility back David Havili has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders until after the 2027 World Cup.

If you are at all interested in understanding what's going wrong at rugby headquarters in Wellington, can I recommend that you read Gregor Paul's piece in the Herald today? It's an excellent summation. The question that we had yesterday when we were looking at the financials was how on Earth is it that New Zealand Rugby pulls in more money than it ever has in a financial year and still manages to not make a profit? How do you do that? The answer is it seems going by Gregor's piece, it's just wasteful spending and spending in the wrong places. For example, New Zealand rugby spent more than seven and a half million dollars last year on paying board members and executives. That is more than the seven million it spent on Heartland rugby teams last year and it is more than five and a half million it spent on its five Super Rugby clubs. No organisation should spend more on the people running the thing then on the thing itself, that's nuts. New Zealand Rugby flew two board members, Dame Patsy Reddy and Bailey Mackey, to the UK last year when they were leaving the organisation the following month. What's the point of that? If you know that people are leaving, stop flying them places. They're now redundant, aren't they? When the All Blacks played in Tokyo, they took players and coaches and management. Fair enough. But then they also took administrative staff and executive staff. That was 75 people for a rugby game. Honestly, that's way too much. Do you know how much they were paying at the hotel they were staying at? $900 a night. That is an organisation spending like it's in the gold mining game, not like it's an organisation making more annual losses than profits in recent memory. Gregor Paul suggests some people are going to lose their jobs and I think that's probably fair. To be fair to NZR, we all understand what's going on here and not all of it is their fault. The biggest problem they've got is that rugby is boring. That's because the rules suck and NZR has only got so much control over the rules. It's really a World Rugby problem. But for NZR, it has been obvious for ages that the problems that they face with participation and viewership, attendance, and money are not going to get solved anytime soon. Now, if you know things are tough and they're not improving, do you not put the credit card away? Do you not cut the spending? You and I might, but not NZR, apparently, and that's their fault.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Journalist Lavina Good and Newstalk ZB's Adam Cooper join the Huddle. The Huddle discusses Netball New Zealand's current rules stating players must play in the ANZ Premiership to be available for the national team. Nine Kiwi crickets have left Pakistan as the Super League transfers to the UAE amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India. Where does this leave the players? New Zealand Rugby has posted huge losses despite a record income last year. Could we expect job losses? The Huddle discuss all this and more. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 9 May 2025, the Government is pushing ahead with its review of the Waitangi Tribunal. Minister for Maori Development Tama Potaka tells Heather whether the tribunal is going too far. Plus Erica Stanford talks through the changes to the redress scheme for victims of abuse in state care. We find out more about the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV and speak to Cardinal John Dew who was in the conclave itself. Heather has plenty more to say about the state of New Zealand Rugby finances. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZR generated 285 million bucks last year. Sweet. They also manged to flush $305 million. Oops. A quick flick of the abacus tells us that $20 million slid down the back of the couch. Somewhere along the way, something has gone horribly wrong. I'm sure the bean counters are working their way through the figures, looking at the expenditure, trying to shave a bit here and a bit there, but shaving won't achieve a thing, they need an axe, not a Gilette. Gregor Paul from the NZ Herald continues to write revealing pieces on the issue, and he's far from complimentary around NZR's ham-fisted money management. His dive into these matters is far deeper than mine and revels some fairly alarming numbers associated with NZR's expenditure. His Silver Lake work points to what numerous folk were concerned about when NZR sold their pound of flesh to the American fund manager. To put it simply, Silver Lake care about profit, they couldn't care less about NZ rugby. They just saw some straw-chewing, dungaree-wearing farmers, spun them some grandiose yarns and walked off with a slice of their operation. Boom. Silver Lake will Shylock NZR, and Shakespeare will shake his head. Part of NZR and SLs brave new world involves the media platform NZR+. It's costing a bucket load as it gingerly steps its way into the vicious world of streaming. A world that NZR has no experience in and no right or point to be directly engaged with. I'm sure in time it will be revealed that the inner workings of NZR+ are, well, not working. Courier companies have one job. Prisons have one job. Focus on that task and I'd say job done. Granted, some courier companies lose packages and some prisoners escape, which beggars belief, maybe pure focus on one exercise would help them out. NZR have one job. Look after rugby from the grassroots to the superstar ABs. Stick to your knitting guys, leave broadcasting platforms to broadcasters, and maybe buy yourselves an abacus or two instead of more first-class flights and 5 star hotels for your ruling class. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's panel features NZ Herald Online Sports Journalist Alex Powell and Gold Sport Rugby Commentator Hamish McKay. On the agenda this weekend: New Zealand Rugby suffers a massive loss, despite a record income for 2024 Go Media Stadium gets the nod over Eden Park Are we unlikely to see India and Pakistan play each other in cricket again? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks captain and newly appointed New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk says maintaining player numbers remains the sports biggest challenge.

New Zealand Rugby has posted a loss of $19.5 million for 2024, despite also bringing in record income. The result was announced during today's AGM in Wellington - and is New Zealand Rugby's third consecutive deficit following a $8.9 million loss in 2023 and a $47 million loss in 2022. The national body recorded income of $285 million, in what it describes as being a 'near break-even result', highlighted by growth in commercial revenue. NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson says there's been significant investment in all levels of the game. "The investment has gone into record levels of investment into the women and girls' game, to the work we're doing in content and digital strategy and game development - we've never had higher levels of investment in the community game." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 8 May 2025, the Government has been advised to crack down on cash to reduce organised crime. Customs Minister Casey Costello is pondering whether to stop cash payments in sectors like construction. The Herald has released first pictures of convicted murderer Mark Lundy out in public, and Heather is wondering whether it's ick or satisfying what readers want to see. New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson tells Heather why NZR has delivered its third loss in a row despite record revenue. Plus, Rotorua's mayor comes out swinging telling Heather Rotorua is definitely not dying! Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Record income for NZ Rugby was not enough to save them from their third yearly deficit in a row. Yesterday, NZR Chair David Kirk revealed a $19.5 million loss, despite the body bringing in a record $285 million. Former CEO David Moffett told Ryan Bridge it's symptomatic of rugby around the world. He says professional rugby is living in quicksand – no matter where you look, it's in real trouble. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 9th of May 2025, A new Pope has been elected, Catholic Journalist Mark O'Connor shares the latest live from the Vatican. The prime minister's announced an extra almost half billion dollars in capital spending in upcoming budget, New Zealand Initiative Executive Director Oliver Hartwich shares his thoughts. Record income for New Zealand Rugby was not enough to save them from their third yearly deficit in a row, Former NZR Boss David Moffett tells Ryan Bridge why NZR isn't making enough money. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on a new trade deal between the US and the UK. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby has reported a $19.5 million dollar deficit in its latest financial result. One of the areas of interest is NZR+, NZ Rugby's streaming service intended for international audiences. Colin Smith is an expert in sports and media rights, he spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk about whether NZR+ will pay off in the long run. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby has warned Kiwis of the significant risks linked to a new “run it straight” sport, which has rival participants run at each other with full force. “Run it straight” is touted as a new combat sport that attempts to mirror actions seen in rugby league, union and AFL matches. It features opposing individuals – a ball runner and a tackler – run full speed at each other with the goal of trying to bowl each other over. The Runit Championship League hosted its inaugural live tournament in Melbourne last night, and a similar event is set to come to New Zealand this month. Former Kiwi and boxing promoter Dean Lonergan joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss concerns surrounding a new sport being introduced to New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another big win for New Zealand Rugby in the wake of the messy end to a major sponsorship agreement. Vehicle manufacturer Toyota has reportedly signed a multi-million dollar agreement to put its name on the All Blacks training kit – partly replacing INEOS. The agreement is also believed to include the provision of vehicles for players and management who don't have existing contracts with previous vehicle partner, Ford. Former NZ Rugby CEO David Moffett told Mike Hosking it's good news. He says it's very similar to the Ford deal that they had back in 1995. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the Crusaders are well and truly back in 2025 (and they are), then what on earth happened to them last season? Brett McKay & Harry Jones welcome Jamie Wall onto The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast this week, to contemplate that and many questions in and around New Zealand rugby. Last year's Champions, the Blues, seem to have adapted the position of the 2024 Crusaders however, and this weekend's crucial clash in Brisbane against the Queensland Reds feels very ‘must win' for them, an indication of just how far they've fallen in 2025. The guys try to work the difference from one year to the next for the Blues, look a bit closer at the real health of New Zealand Rugby, and ponder the regular question whether this really in the best season of Super Rugby, ever. Games of the Week: • SRP Round 10: Queensland Reds v Blues, Brisbane • URC Round 16: Glasgow v Bulls, the Scotstoun • Premiership Round 15: Sale v Saracens, Salford • Top 14 Round 22: Clermont v Lyon, Clermont • Japan Rugby League One Rd.16: Shizuoka Blue Revs v Canon Eagles, Shizuoka • MLR Rd.11: Utah Warriors v Chicago Hounds, Salt Lake City #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Combo #SuperRugbyPacific #URC #Premiership #Top14 #JapanRugbyLeagueOne #MajorLeagueRugby #JamieWall Find us: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@8-9Combo?sub_confirmation=1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1BcKhb24YOtwQhKc0S3sDm Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-8-9-combo-rugby-podcast/id1729575866 Social media: #89Combo Twitter: https://twitter.com/89combo BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/89combo.bsky.social Find Brett and Harry on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport + @HaribaldiJones Music: "Stalling" by Topher Mohr & Alex Elena (via YouTube Creator Studio) Voiceovers by Chookman + Sean Maloney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Zealand Rugby remain happy with their player retention rates, despite All Blacks wing Mark Tele'a's decision to head to Japan after this season. The 28-year-old started four of five tests on the 2024 end-of-year tour. He's understood to have penned a three-season deal with Toyota Verblitz under former All Blacks coaches Sir Steve Hansen and Ian Foster. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby Superstar Mark Tele'a, 28, to Play in Japan Next Season

New Zealand Rugby believes the women's Super Rugby Aupiki final's scheduling clash with the Highlanders versus Fijian Drua will have little impact on viewership. The Blues versus Matatū finale at Eden Park on Saturday has been granted a primetime 7.05 pm kickoff, despite the regular season games all being played in the afternoon. NZR head of women's high-performance Hannah Porter is unconcerned about the battle for viewers with the Highlanders playing at the same time in Dunedin. Blues and Black Ferns second five eight Ruahei Demant joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview their grand final. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby head of women's high performance Hannah Porter has outlined why a measured approach is needed for expanding Super Rugby Aupiki. The Blues host Matatu in Saturday's final at Eden Park on Saturday - the winner to face the champion of Australia's Super W next Thursday. It comes after Black Ferns winger Katelyn Vaha'akolo's plea for the competition to be better promoted. Porter says the current competition is not the final product. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks and Warriors doctor John Mayhew has died. North Harbour Rugby have announced his passing after recent heart complications. He was 70. Dr Mayhew served as North Harbour's inaugural doctor from 1986, before being appointed as the All Blacks doctor from 1988 to 2004 - a period encompassing more than 200 matches and later moving to the Warriors. In 2016, Dr. Mayhew was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to sports medicine. North Harbour Rugby chief executive Adrian Donald says it's devastating news for the rugby community. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you a flavour of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast interview with Sean Dyche. We hear from the former Burnley boss regarding his immediate future in the game, and his praise for his ex-Everton captain Seamus Coleman. Arne Slot's addressed those stories linking Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, and discussed his squad's fatigue levels. Saoirse Noonan shows her assertive side in discussing her Republic of Ireland WNT place with Carla Ward.Manchester United's part-owners settle a case with New Zealand Rugby. And Bray continue their march up the First Division table.

New Zealand Rugby has reached a settlement with the petrochemical company after suing for ending its sponsorship agreement early. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you a flavour of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast interview with Sean Dyche. We hear from the former Burnley boss regarding his immediate future in the game, and his praise for his ex-Everton captain Seamus Coleman. Arne Slot's addressed those stories linking Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, and discussed his squad's fatigue levels. Saoirse Noonan shows her assertive side in discussing her Republic of Ireland WNT place with Carla Ward.Manchester United's part-owners settle a case with New Zealand Rugby. And Bray continue their march up the First Division table.

Petro-chemical conglomerate Ineos have dug deep into their pockets to resolve financial differences with New Zealand Rugby over kit sponsorship. A settlement has been reached after NZR lodged an injunction at the High Court in Wellington – the figure reportedly in excess of $21 million. Ineos get to terminate the deal after three years, and NZR can now attempt to secure a new sponsor. Halo Sport Managing Director Simon Porter told Mike Hosking NZR now has some prized assets to sell, and have some time to ensure they get a good deal. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson is relieved a quick resolution has been found to the Ineos stand-off. The petrochemical giant and NZR have reached a settlement after the latter launched legal action following Ineos terminating the deal three years early. Robinson says he's satisfied with this decision. "We're pleased there's been a settlement reached, we've been pretty open from when we started communicating this, we believed we had a pretty strong position." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby announced the first-five and fullback will spend the next four years at home - a move that allows him to participate in the 2027 Rugby World Cup. There were rumblings McKenzie might take his career offshore - but NZ Rugby's strict stance on eligibility was likely a factor in keeping the playmaker on home soil. Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.

New Zealand rugby has lost one of its all-time greats. Alex "Grizz" Wyllie MBE has died at the age of 80 after excelling as both a player and coach. Wyllie made 210 appearances for Canterbury as well as 40 matches for New Zealand, 11 of them tests. He coached Canterbury through a three-year Ranfurly Shield reign, famously ended by Auckland at Lancaster Park in 1985. Wyllie worked as an All Blacks assistant under Sir Brian Lochore before his own 86.2 percent winning tenure with them from 1988 to 1991. Former All Black and Wyllie's nephew, Richard Loe told Mike Hosking he's left his mark on the sport, and his history will continue for many decades to come. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year, for the first time, New Zealand Rugby will field an under 18 team against Australia. But that's started a growing debate.

New Zealand Rugby has struck a nerve with a number of secondary schools. Earlier this month the organisation announced a new under-18 squad to be selected this year. Dozens of schools have voiced their concerns about the proposal - raising issues over compromised student education and the gutting of first fifteen squads across the country. Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.

Last week New Zealand Rugby announced they are introducing an under 18s team to the "National High Performance" programme. The inaugural team will be selected in September ahead of a match against Australia. Currently the U18s scene is dominated by the NZ Secondary Schools, Barbarians and Maori teams. Teams which are likely to supply the players, but not everyone in the rugby community is pleased, with some raising concerns teenagers shouldn't be thrown into such a high-pressure environment Maori U18s coach Kahu Carey discusses the nature and mission of the team with Jesse.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is at peace with New Zealand Rugby's non-overseas selection policy. He's previously urged the governing body to keep an open mind regarding the use of offshore players, like the world champion Springboks. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV is hiking their prices. A near-12% increase will come into effect for Sky Sport viewers this May. The company says the rise in price will allow it to keep investing in local and global fixtures, and it comes as Sky fights to keep its New Zealand Rugby rights. Octagon Asset Management Equities Analyst Paige Hennessy told Mike Hosking that while no one likes a price increase, investors see it as a reflection of reality. For Sky to make a profit, they have to reflect any cost increases in their prices – especially if NZ Rugby is unwilling to see rights deflation come through in their space. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Junior Rugby is potentially in for its biggest shakeup in decades. Under a new proposal, kids wouldn't play 15-a-side until they reach high school, playing 10-a-side until year 7 and 13-a-side in year 8. The changes are aimed at improving enjoyment and confidence levels. NZ Rugby Participation Development Manager Mike Hester told Mike Hosking they want to provide opportunities for kids to continue their skill development, so they have the skill sets and experiences they need to play locally or pursue a professional career. He says having a smaller side gives younger kids more opportunities to get their hands on the ball and be more involved and engaged with the sport. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby's unsurprised by Clayton McMillan's impending move offshore. NZR and the Chiefs have released McMillan from the final year of his coaching contract - he'll join Irish club Munster in July. General manager professional rugby Chris Lendrum says McMillan's been open about his plans to coach overseas - and it's just come early. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's competition over the rugby broadcast rights. British streaming disruptor DAZN is reportedly being courted by New Zealand Rugby. Talks with Sky have been dragging on – it's understood the broadcaster's offered $85 million dollars a year to renew, a smaller bid than its current deal of $111 million a year. Duco Events founder David Higgins told Mike Hosking he believes people would pay for DAZN just for the rugby – initially. He says they'd have to get everything right, including having the players become interesting stars, not robots. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saudi-backed service DAZN has reportedly entered the battle for New Zealand Rugby's broadcasting rights. The national body are yet to come to a new agreement with incumbent rightsholders Sky - who are understood to have submitted a smaller bid than their current deal. NZ Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul initially broke the story, and he says NZR felt the need to reach out to a potential bidder who could offer more. He suspects DAZN could be looking to acquire Sky as well - as it's currently in the process of buying Australia's Foxtel. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Infrastrucuture New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! British streaming platform DAZN are being courted by New Zealand Rugby to make an 11th hour bid for the rugby rights deal after the body got into a stalemate with Sky. What do we make of this? The Police Minister is crediting officers for a significant drop in violent crime - the first dip in five years. Do we feel safter when we go out? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British streaming platform DAZN are being courted by New Zealand Rugby to make an 11th hour bid for the rugby rights deal up after this year. Talks between Sky and New Zealand Rugby continue, but the pair have failed to reach an agreement on a scaled down offer from the current agreement. The New Zealand Herald reports NZR is talking to DAZN - who are currently in the process of buying Australia's Foxtel. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby is suing one of the All Blacks sponsors for an alleged breach of contract. RNZ's Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.

INEOS says it needed to end its sponsorship of New Zealand Rugby to save costs and says it's disappointed NZR has taken legal action.

New Zealand Rugby is taking legal action against global petrochemical company INEOS over what it says is a breach of their sponsorship agreement. Sports reporter Joe Porter spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

INEOS claim that 'cost-saving measures' led to their bitter legal battle with New Zealand Rugby.

A former New Zealand Rugby chief executive says its legal battle with sponsor INEOS could leave the organisation with an expensive bill. Former NZ Rugby chief executive David Moffett spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

On today's episode, the Labour Party says the Prime Minister should sack ACT's David Seymour as a minister for writing to the police while they were investigating one of his constituents, a report released on Wednesday morning by the Salvation Army shows more than 400,000 people were on benefits in December, the highest number since the 1990s, Kāinga Ora Chief executive Matt Crockett says the housing agency is setting a 12-week limit on how much rent debt a tenant can accumulate, an increase in fraud, corruption in border and immigration services, and a lack of transparency in the lobbying industry could be why New Zealand is falling in global corruption rankings, and a former New Zealand Rugby chief executive says its legal battle with sponsor INEOS could leave the organisation with an expensive bill.

Ineos has described New Zealand Rugby's legal action as unfortunate, as the two parties clash over a strained sponsorship agreement. Ineos failed to pay their first 2025 instalment of an $8 million a year deal, which NZR see as confirmation they've exited the arrangement early. The Sir Jim Ratcliffe-owned petrochemical company claims they tried to negotiate a solution before legal action hit the table. Local player agent Simon Porter told Mike Hosking the parties will have had extensive discussions already. He says this would have been a last resort, and NZR would have been trying really hard to get Ineos across the line first. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a sport that is hardly sizzling in a sports world that is sizzling, the pain for New Zealand Rugby has clearly just got a whole lot worse. INEOS had a six year deal worth apparently $48 million. That's $8 million a year. They have walked three years early and as a result are being sued by NZR. I don't blame them. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is an interesting bloke. He is involved in English football through Manchester United and with Mercedes F1. He was involved in the America's Cup with Ben Ainslie, but has subsequently fallen out. I quite liked his cars. He wanted to keep making the old Land Rover Defender when they upgraded it a couple of years ago. He offered to buy the designs, Land Rover said no, so he invented his own a thing called the Grenadier, which although is no Land Rover, is not a bad looking thing to run up a paddock. I suppose you could ask whether Ratcliffe is even aware of any of this. But my guess is yes, given his prominence at the football and at the sailing. Has NZR, in INEOS' eyes, done something wrong? Have they not delivered on some KPIs? Is there a counter case here? In what court is this to be heard? How much time will it take and what will it cost? Is it a World Trade Organisation type-thing, whereby it's often not really worth the hassle because nothing tangible comes of it? Is it simply one of those contracts where as much as you might want to put down on paper, people and actions count for more and if you don't want to do business then basically that's the end of that? The union are the biggest losers and i feel sorry for them. No one at INEOS, I suspect, gives a monkeys. INEOS are global, from F1 to EPL. The All Blacks, although big in rugby, aren't huge globally and the hole left is more pressing for a sport than a petrol chemical company. Ratcliffe looks shabby if the union case is correct and he has simply bailed. But I doubt he is losing sleep. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It all seems quite surreal but New Zealand Rugby announced today it was taking sponsor INEOS owned by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is also a part owner of Manchester United football club. The NZR alleges the petrochemical company has breached its sponsorship agreement and failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee.t. The sponsorship deal is believed to have been worth around eight million dollars a year. So how did it all come to this and was it inevitable a deal with a billionaire with reputation for a reputation for being cut throat would end on unfavourable terms for New Zealand Rugby. To help us answer that Mark Leishman speaks to RNZ digital sports reporter Jamie Wall. [picture id="4LMVBFF_jr_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

One of New Zealand Rugby's major sponsors has found itself offside with the national body. In a recent statement, NZR has confirmed they're launching legal action against petrochemical company Ineos for breaching a deal worth around eight million dollars a year. NZ Rugby views Ineos' non-payment of the first instalment of 2025 as confirmation they've exited the six-year agreement early - and have 'no option' but to begin proceedings. Former CEO David Moffett says this is a big step for NZR, but they haven't been left with any other options. "In a situation like this, the only people that are going to win are the lawyers. There will be damage done to both brands, but hopefully NZ Rugby have got some really strong legal advice." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.