Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe sued by the All Blacks, settlement reached

Back in February, NZR took legal action against the petrochemical giant, accusing it of breaching a six-year deal signed in 2022. The agreement – set to run through 2027 – included Ineos branding on All Blacks training kits and shorts. But trouble hit when Ineos allegedly missed a payment and looked to pull the plug three years early.

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Ineos, which co-owns Premier League side Manchester United, claimed at the time it was trying to “adjust” the agreement due to “cost-saving measures,” citing “high energy costs and extreme carbon taxes” hitting its European operations.

Things turned ugly fast, with NZR left fuming. In their February statement, they said:
“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.”

But after months of legal wrangling, both sides have now called time on the dispute and agreed a settlement.

A joint statement confirmed:
“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 deal once saw the likes of Damian McKenzie don Ineos-branded training gear – but NZR claimed Ratcliffe’s company had informed them it would be terminating the partnership from 1 January.

Now, with the dust settled, NZR will be hoping to avoid any more off-field tackles as they look ahead to future commercial partnerships.

Whether it’s rust, nerves, or just being outplayed, these five Lions have done themselves no favours – and could be heading home with regret.

All eyes were on Fin Smith to make a statement with Owen Farrell still looming over the fly-half conversation. But instead of stepping up, he produced a performance that did little to settle nerves.

Smith failed to make a major impression in the tour opener against Argentina, looking tentative and overly conservative in key moments.

Things didn’t improve much in his second outing against the Waratahs, where he tried to force the issue in the second half—only for the mistakes to pile up and the game to slip further away from him.

? Test chances: Fading fast. He’s no longer a clear bench option, and others are circling.

After being made to wait for his chance, Keenan finally got his shot against the Waratahs—and it couldn’t have gone much worse.

He opened with a dropped ball under little pressure and followed it with a missed tackle that directly led to a try. Normally so composed and reliable, Keenan looked rattled from the off and never quite found his rhythm or influence on the game.

? Test chances: This was a golden opportunity to nail down a claim. He let it slip through his fingers—literally.

The Lions scrum was meant to be a weapon—but against the Force, it was anything but. Schoeman struggled to hold his ground and was part of a front row that got manhandled far too often.

With Ellis Genge putting in a dominant shift last week, Schoeman’s underwhelming showing couldn’t have come at a worse time. The raw power and aggression he’s known for were notably absent.

? Test chances: He’s still in the mix, but firmly behind the frontrunners now.

This tour was supposed to be Curry’s return to dominance, but so far he’s looked anything but. Against Argentina in the opener and again versus the Reds, Curry seemed a step behind play.

His trademark defensive tenacity was muted, and while he rallied late on with a few solid tackles, the damage was already done. His lack of synergy with the back row around him was noticeable—and concerning.

? Test chances: Still respected, but form has to match reputation. Right now, it doesn’t.

The big winger has been one of the Lions’ most electric weapons in recent years, but injuries have clearly disrupted his build-up.

He’s looked off the pace, lacking sharpness both with ball in hand and in defensive positioning. Meanwhile, James Lowe has seized every chance to impress. Duhan’s physicality remains a threat, but his edge seems dulled for now.

? Test chances: Slipping away quickly. Needs a statement game—and soon.