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American International Group Inc. (ÌìÃÀÍøÕ¾´«Ã½´«Ã½) and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) have agreed to a a five-and-a-half year agreement for ÌìÃÀÍøÕ¾´«Ã½´«Ã½ to sponsor six NZRU rugby teams: the All Blacks, Maori All Blacks, All Blacks Sevens, New Zealand Black Ferns (women’s fifteens), New Zealand Women’s Sevens, and New Zealand Under 20. Financial terms of the sponsorship agreement are not being disclosed.

The ÌìÃÀÍøÕ¾´«Ã½´«Ã½ logo will be displayed on the black front of the jerseys and back of shorts for the four men’s teams, and front of the jerseys for the two women’s teams.

“Prominently associating the ÌìÃÀÍøÕ¾´«Ã½´«Ã½ brand with the legendary All Blacks and the highly competitive and successful New Zealand Rugby Union teams, as well as passionate rugby fans around the world, represents a tremendous opportunity for ÌìÃÀÍøÕ¾´«Ã½´«Ã½, the NZRU, and rugby,” said Bob Benmosche, ÌìÃÀÍøÕ¾´«Ã½´«Ã½ president and chief executive officer.

“The ÌìÃÀÍøÕ¾´«Ã½´«Ã½ sponsorship is a game changer for rugby in New Zealand and will take New Zealand rugby to new heights around the world,” said Steve Tew, NZRU chief executive. He said the sport needs to ensure the game flourishes at the community level so that New Zealand can keep producing world champion teams and top players.

“A new logo on the All Blacks jersey is not a step we have taken lightly – we respect the rich and proud heritage of this extraordinary team, and carefully weighed the change. In the end, the ÌìÃÀÍøÕ¾´«Ã½´«Ã½ sponsorship is an unprecedented opportunity, and the best option to sustain the future of New Zealand rugby and grow the global game.”

Earlier this month, ÌìÃÀÍøÕ¾´«Ã½´«Ã½ also became the official front-of-jersey sponsor for USA Rugby’s men’s and women’s Junior and Collegiate All-American teams.

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