Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s petrochemical firm had been seeking to renegotiate their performance partnership with the governing body.

Ilona Maher is among the most popular rugby players, if not athletes, on the planet, and within her fan club happens to be someone who blazed a trail before her.

Ineos and New ... Zealand Rugby was one of several sporting tie-ups Ratcliffe embarked on as he sought to amass a collection of teams. It still sponsors the Ineos Grenadiers road cycling team ...