New Zealand Rugby has launched legal action against the Ineos corporation of British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe after the global chemical giant dropped a sponsorship agreement with three months remaining.

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.

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,