World Cup hit by corruption claim

Kit makers threaten legal action in contract row

EngliSH kit manufacturers rhino are threatening legal action against the rugby World Cup organisers amid concerns over corruption.

the build-up to this autumn’s tournament has been plagued by controversy, with organising committee chief executive Claude Atcher sacked in october before French police raided their Paris headquarters the following month in a probe into alleged financial irregularities.

rhino have had the contract to supply training kit such as tackle pads and bags for the last three rugby World Cups, but tournament officials refused to meet them during bidding for the 2023 tournament and they lost out to a little-known company called Aramis.

Sportsmail has learned that rhino have serious concerns about the bidding process and have written a legal letter to the organising committee, asking them to open an investigation into the award of contracts. rhino’s lawyers claim the london-based company were not given the opportunity to compete fairly for a contract they have delivered for the last three World Cups, with Aramis allegedly offered preferential terms.

the legal letter states rhino were told they had to supply the training kit free of charge as well as paying a ‘considerable cash sum’ — a demand which came as a surprise, particularly as they say they then discovered Aramis had not been asked to pay one.

the organising committee’s demands appear to represent a complete change of approach from previous World Cups, when rhino received around £ 800,000 for supplying unbranded equipment.

rhino’s lawyers also note that many of the staff involved in the awarding of contracts — including

Atcher — have since left the World Cup organising committee.

rhino claim that the refusal of rugby World Cup staff to engage with them merits an investigation into the award of the contract, but they have yet to receive a response from the organising committee.

the World Cup has been mired by scandal, with president of the French rugby federation Bernard laporte found guilty of multiple corruption charges and given a two- year suspended prison sentence last month.

one of the charges related to a £1.5million shirt sponsorship for the France team, which was awarded to a friend, the billionaire owner of the top 14 champions Montpellier, Mohed Altrad.

laporte stood down from his role as chairman of World rugby, who have handed the matter to their ethics commission, which may take further disciplinary action.