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New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed that American International Group (AIG) will not renew its deal after its contract expires at the end of 2021.
The US insurance company has been a sponsor of the national body since 2012, signing a five-year deal at the time reportedly worth NZ$80 million (US$52.9 million). That arrangement was renewed in 2016 with AIG’s logo continuing to feature on the front of the shirt of the senior men’s team, the All Blacks.
The brand’s current agreement also covers the All Blacks Sevens, the Maori All Blacks, the New Zealand Black Ferns Sevens and New Zealand under 20 teams.
But AIG has now taken the decision to walk away from the NZR, ending a near decade-long partnership, opting to confirm the news now in order to give both parties sufficient time to prepare for new opportunities and, in the NZR’s case, find a new main sponsor.
“We have enjoyed a hugely successful and mutually beneficial commercial partnership that has helped both AIG and NZR to strengthen our respective brands on the world stage,” said NZR chief executive Mark Robinson.
“Through this partnership, NZR and the six national teams sponsored by AIG have been able to grow rugby's presence in new and growing markets, with opportunities to play in new territories and introduce our teams to new fans all over the world.
“We will continue to work with AIG through another exciting period for our teams – with both the men's and women's sevens teams seeking gold at the Tokyo Olympics later in 2020, and the Black Ferns heading into the Rugby World Cup 2021 as defending champions and the tournament's host nation.”
Daniel Glantz, AIG's global head of sponsorship and strategic partnerships, added: “We thank New Zealand Rugby for their partnership and are proud of our many accomplishments together. New Zealand Rugby's staff and players have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence on and off the pitch, which has enhanced both of our brands and inspired rugby fans around the world.”
AIG’s partnership came during an unprecedented period of dominance for the All Blacks. The team defended their Rugby World Cup title in 2015, becoming the first side to do so, and won six of the last eight editions of the Rugby Championship Tournament. They next return to action on 4th July against Wales in the Steinlager Series.