A rugby journalist says he's been told by executives of multinational insurer American International Group (AIG) that they are negotiating a sponsorship deal for their brand to appear on the All Black jersey.
Journalist and blogger Jed Thian says he was at a fundraiser attended by senior AIG executives who told him they had done a deal for their company's logo to appear on the All Black uniform.
The New Zealand Rugby Union says it is in discussions with several potential sponsors but is unable to reveal any details until both parties have reached agreement.
It says Adidas is its principal partner and that contract extends to 2019 and underpins rugby in this country.
Mr Thian says he'd be disappointed with the NZRU if the deal transpires as he believes the teams' uniform, like its name, should be all black.
Former All Black Marc Ellis says more branding on the All Black strip may be the only way for the team to remain competitive with bigger, richer countries.
