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.

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

New Zealand Rugby launches legal action against Manchester United owners INEOS for alleged breach of contract regarding a missed payment from £22m sponsorship deal; INEOS, owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe,

Chemical producer INEOS has said it is in discussions with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) following the sport federation's decision to pursue legal action over a sponsorship dispute. NZR said on Tuesday that INEOS had breached their contract and failed to pay a sponsorship fee,

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his company, Ineos, have been accused of failing to honour the terms of a sponsorship agreement with New Zealand Rugby (Mike Egerton/PA) Manchester United co-owner Ineos has been accused of failing to honour a sponsorship agreement with New Zealand Rugby.

New Zealand Rugby launches legal action against Manchester United owners INEOS for alleged breach of contract, regarding a missed payment from their £22m sponsorship deal; INEOS, owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe,