Rugby: After 30 years as the major sponsor of the Wallabies, Qantas is ending its deal

Australian rugby has taken another blow with major sponsor Qantas cutting ties with the code after a 30-year partnership.

Support for Cricket Australia and the Football Federation Australia by Qantas will also be reduced but the Wallabies will suffer the major pain.

The national airline will end its financial support of the code in December due to spending cuts because of COVID-19 which has included massive job losses.

Rugby Australia interim CEO Rob Clarke said Qantas' decision was "disappointing" but also "understandable".

"There aren't many 30-year partnerships in Australian sport, and I want to thank Qantas for everything they have done for our great game," Clarke said.

"Alan (Joyce) and his team have been transparent and collaborative in their discussions with us and they have now given us the opportunity to prepare for 2021 and beyond.

"While we have all felt the effects of COVID-19, Rugby in Australia is entering a very exciting new chapter."

Dejected Wallabies players. Photo / Photosport

Both CA and the FFA will still receive "in kind" benefits such as free flights and marketing, but Qantas will not pay any sponsorship fees for the next 12 months.

Qantas chief customer officer, Stephanie Tully said: "In an environment where thousands of our people have lost jobs and thousands more are stood down while they wait for flying to restart, we can't maintain these sponsorships in the way we have in the past.

"While we're dealing with this crisis and its aftermath, the cash cost of our sponsorships has to be zero.

"Without exception, our partners have been incredibly understanding of the situation, particularly as most are facing their own COVID challenges.

"Qantas has had a very long association with Rugby Australia and the Wallabies ... Unfortunately, this pandemic has been the undoing."