12 October 2012
For the first time in their 107-year history, the All Blacks jersey will feature the logos of two sponsors after the New Zealand Rugby Union announced a five-and-a-half year deal with AIG today.
The insurance giant has replaced Iveco as a sponsor — the truck company did not feature on the All Blacks kit — in a multi-million pound deal described by the NZRU as “the second most valuable rugby sponsorship” in the world.
Adidas’ logo has been displayed on the jersey, beside the traditional silver fern symbol of New Zealand, since 1999.
Some fans have accused the All Blacks of selling out but NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said: “On balance, it is a very positive opportunity to secure the future of the game in this country.”
