Provincial rugby sponsor ITM has been red-carded from next year’s series.
The building supplies company began its involvement in 2006, backing the national provincial series and the Heartland championship.
That sponsorship rose to competition-naming rights in 2010 when the company stepped up as major sponsor after the previous group withdrew.
The ITM Cup, as it became known, started its six-season schedule. That deal ended this season but the company wanted to renew its sponsorship.
ITM put in a bid but has been told by New Zealand Rugby that it has not been successful.
ITM did not get a chance to match the investment from a new sponsor and has not been given any reason why it was overlooked for the twin provincial series next year.
Naming history:
1976-2005: National Provincial Championship
2006-2009: Air New Zealand Cup
2010-2015: ITM Cup
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