More than 100 years of tradition could be nearing an end but the New Zealand Rugby Union are refusing to confirm or deny a report that a sponsor's logo could be emblazoned on the famous black jersey.
It was reported today that a controversial American insurance company is in negotiations with the NZRU to place their logo on the front of the playing strip, which has been free of advertising since the All Blacks began playing in the late 1880s.
The All Blacks are one of the few international rugby teams without a large front-of-jersey sponsor.
The NZRU refused to comment on the issue when asked via phone call and formal email request earlier in the week, but their stance softened a little after Jed Thian, who runs the Alternative Rugby Commentary website, spoke about an impending sponsorship deal with the American International Group (AIG) on Radio New Zealand yesterday.
However, the NZRU limited their response last night to a brief statement from chief executive Steve Tew, which read: "As is normal for our organisation, we are discussing opportunities with a number of potential sponsors across a range of categories. Like any commercial organisation we are not able to discuss any of those details until both parties have reached agreement. But let's be clear adidas is our principal partner and that contract extends to 2019 and underpins rugby in this country."
