Billionaire sponsor keen on Lions deal

INCOMING All Blacks sponsor Mohed Altrad has expressed an interest in working with the British & Irish Lions. No long-term sponsorship contracts are in place, as Vodafone agreed a oneoff deal for this summer’s Covid-hit tour of South Africa.

Billionaire Altrad has sponsorship deals in place with Montpellier and France and is open to expanding his portfolio.

‘This year’s Lions sponsorship was offered to us but Covid arrived and the idea was dropped,’ he said. ‘As you see, we are very much committed to rugby. The next tour is still some time away, but why not?’

Altrad’s deal with New Zealand activates next year and he is keen for World Rugby to review their stance on sponsor-free jerseys at the World Cup.

‘It is a waste to leave sponsors off. There’s millions of pounds that could be reinvested into the game.’