New Zealand Rugby to discuss sponsorship deal after Altrad trial verdict

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said they will hold meetings with stakeholders to discuss their sponsorship deal with Altrad after the construction company's owner was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence in Paris on Tuesday.

According to reports in French media, Mohed Altrad, who also owns rugby club Montpellier, was found guilty in a trial for influence peddling and illegally acquiring assets, in relation to his company's sponsorship of the France rugby team.

The case also involved Bernard Laporte, the head of the French Rugby Federation, who received a two-year suspended prison sentence and a 75,000 euros ($79,672.50) fine.

The court was not immediately available for comment.

Both men have denied any wrongdoing.

NZR had announced a six-year partnership with Altrad in August last year, allowing the construction company's logo to appear on the front of the men's and women's team shirts, as well as those of the sevens and youth teams.

"We have been in discussions on the possibility of this outcome for some time," NZR said in a statement to New Zealand media on Wednesday.

"With the verdict against Mr Altrad personally now having been handed down, we will be reconvening with representatives from the company immediately - as well as with our key stakeholders."

($1 = 0.9414 euros)