Rugby chiefs have signed a sponsorship deal that could put a new advertising logo on the All Blacks' jerseys and shorts for their end-of-season tour of Britain, sources say.
The New Zealand Herald understands the New Zealand Rugby Union has secured a multimillion-dollar, five-year deal with insurance company AIG, which will replace truck maker Iveco as one of the All Blacks' main sponsors.
The All Black kit now carries the logo of main sponsor adidas.
An announcement on the sponsorship will be made in Auckland today.
The All Blacks' shorts and jersey sleeves could be carrying the AIG logo as early as their tour to the United Kingdom, which starts with a test against Scotland in Edinburgh on November 11.
The NZRU would not comment on specifics yesterday, but did not deny developments with a new sponsor.
"Commercial discussions are always confidential until we are ready to announce anything," union commercial general manager Mark Adam said.
"But it is no secret that we have been seeking a new global partner to replace Iveco for some time and we are happy with progress."
