New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced today an extension of its sponsorship agreement with American International Group, Inc.

(NYSE: AIG). The extension strengthens the existing partnership announced in 2012 and reinforces their commitment to the global advancement of rugby from the community level to the All Blacks and other national teams.

"We're delighted that AIG has extended their successful partnership with New Zealand Rugby," said NZR Chief Executive Steve Tew. "AIG has been a great supporter of our game since coming on board in 2012 and contributed to outstanding results off the field, helping profile our teams throughout the world and showcasing the story and teams of New Zealand rugby to millions of new fans from Chicago to China and further afield.



"This is a very positive step for rugby in New Zealand and ensures critical funding to run and strengthen rugby in New Zealand from the community game through to the high-performance level."



AIG has worked with NZR's teams in 64 countries around the world and extended rugby's reach to millions in the past four years, staging world-class events in Beijing, Chicago, Dubai, Dublin, Hong Kong, London, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, and Toronto. Since 2012, rugby has been the fastest growing team sport in the U.S. with over 50 per cent more players involved with the sport.





"We are excited to continue AIG's brand partnership with NZR," said Peter Hancock, AIG President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our sponsorship will continue to serve as a valuable marketing tool and as an inspiration for excellence to AIG people."





The sponsorship arrangement extends AIG's position as the Major Global Sponsor and Official Insurance Partner of New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks for a further six years. The company will continue to directly sponsor the All Blacks, the All Blacks Sevens, the Maori All Blacks, the Black Ferns, the Black Ferns Sevens and New Zealand Under 20 teams.







On November 4 and 5, 2016 AIG is presenting a Rugby Weekend in the U.S. The double-header in Chicago features the All Blacks taking on Ireland and the Maori All Blacks against the USA. On November 4 and 5, 2016 AIG is presenting a Rugby Weekend in the U.S. The double-header in Chicago features the All Blacks taking on Ireland and the Maori All Blacks against the USA. Since the partnership got underway in 2012, New Zealand teams have achieved unprecedented success with the All Blacks securing back to back Rugby World Cups, the All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens winning the Sevens World Cups; World Championship wins for the New Zealand Under 20; and the Black Ferns Sevens team securing silver in Rio. AIG was recognized as Rugby Sponsor of the Year and received the prestigious Sport New Zealand Recreation Award for Commercial Partnership in its very first year of its sponsorship. In only four years AIG was recognized by its peers and fans as Rugby Sponsor of the Decade. The agreement continues to highlight the importance of preparation and safe, respectful participation in the sport and includes an ongoing commitment to funding community outreach and education programmes that promote rugby safety and player wellbeing as well as the culture and values of rugby.



"AIG has been great to work with, taking time to understand our game, our people and our heritage," said Steve Hansen, the All Blacks Head Coach. "This already solid foundation will strengthen further so we can continue to grow our game at home and around the world."



AB's LIVE STREAM | Looking for a stream for this w.e's ABs and MABs games? Head to https://t.co/h4NnQJYBa1 for more info #TeamAllBlacks pic.twitter.com/VN3nYbVrSM— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 2, 2016