After the XV of France, the All Blacks... The name of Altrad will appear on the black tunics from this year 2022, as it has been on those of the Blues since 2018. The New Zealand Rugby Federation (NZR ) has unveiled its new official jersey for all All Blacks teams, marking the start of its six-year partnership with Altrad as its "Global Partner".
It comes with the new training kit sponsored by Ineos, "performance partner".
Designed and tested by NZR main partner Adidas, the official shirt will adopt the same design and use the same technology as in 2021, with Altrad as official sponsor on the front of the shirt. The group led by the billionaire of Syrian origin, Mohed Altrad, already owner of the Montpellier club in the Top 14, replaces the American insurer AIG on the prestigious black tunic, which has long remained devoid of any sponsor. It is also displayed on that of the women's rugby union selection, the Black Ferns, as well as four other New Zealand selections (men's and women's rugby sevens, Maori, under 20).
“2022 marks the start of an exciting new era with our brand appearing, for the first time, on the iconic jersey of New Zealand rugby teams ,
”
commented Mohed Altrad.
The businessman, suspected of influence peddling and illegal taking of interests with the president of the French Federation Bernard Laporte, has already been the shirt sponsor of the France team since 2018 and until 2023, at up to 6 million euros per year.
During the opening match of the next World Cup in France, on September 8, 2023 between the All Blacks and the Blues, the name of Altrad will therefore appear on the shirts of both teams.
