Rugby: Cruiser Shepherd Swimsuit All-Black Dec 2022
New Zealand player Ethan Blackader during a match against Tonga in Auckland on July 3, 2021 (AFP/MICHAEL BRADLEY)
The New Zealand Rugby Union announced Friday in a press release, that the Altrad group, which was already a sponsor of the 15th tournament for France until 2023, will also become the New Zealand selection group from 2022.
The French specialist in services to industrial companies and construction equipment replaces American insurer AIG on the legendary All Blacks shirt. Already the owner of the French club Montpellier (14th place), he has registered for six years.
The partnership also includes the Women’s Rugby Union team, the Black Ferns, as well as four other New Zealand teams (Rugby Sevens, Maori, Under-20s).
“Thanks to Altrad’s support and international presence, we will continue to build our world rugby heritage,” the press release quoted New Zealand Football Association president Mark Robinson as saying.
Altrad Group says it is “proud to have embarked on a long-term partnership and to begin making a lasting mark in the sport”.
The agreement announced Friday comes four months after the sale of shares in the All Blacks brand to US investors, an option discussed in New Zealand.
At the end of April, the Silver Lake Partners fund had injected $280 million (€230 million) to cover part of the reputation of the three world champions.
Therefore, the All Blacks must face the Blues with the same shirt sponsor in the opening match of the 2023 World Cup in France.
dga / sdu
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