AUCKLAND, Today: Airwallex has inked a multi-year deal with Super Rugby’s Blues, linking two performance-driven teams focused on innovation, precision and excellence.
As Official Business Finance Partner, Airwallex will streamline the club’s finances, from travel spend to global payments, helping simplify operations and free up focus for fans, partners and community.
Lowry Gladwell, New Zealand Lead at Airwallex said, “Rugby sits at the heart of Kiwi culture and plays a unique and vital role in Aotearoa’s identity.
“Through this partnership, we’re proud to back the Blues and the next generation of players and fans, and to champion the entrepreneurial spirit Kiwis bring to both sport and business.”
After launching locally last year, Airwallex says Kiwi uptake has surged, with more businesses using its platform to manage global finances and reduce complexity.
“We’re proud to back the Blues and to help high-performing organisations — and more Kiwi businesses — run more efficiently and scale globally,” added Gladwell.
“Through this partnership, we’re proud to back the Blues and the next generation of players and fans, and to champion the entrepreneurial spirit Kiwis bring to both sport and business.” – Lowry Gladwell, New Zealand Lead at Airwallex
Karl Budge, CEO Blues Rugby said, “With 2026 marking 30 years since the Blues’ inception and entry into Super Rugby, and 30 years of Blues fans, now is the perfect time to welcome Airwallex into the Blues family as our Official Business Finance Partner.
“They are a high-performance, global business that shares our ambition to keep moving forward, for our players, our partners and our community.
“By bringing Airwallex into our financial operations, we’ll be able to run smarter off the field, reinvest more into performance on it, and create even better experiences for our members and fans across Aotearoa.”
Brand visibility will roll out across Super Rugby Pacific through matchday placements, digital channels and fan activations during the season.
Andrew Balint, Vice President, APAC Marketing at Airwallex, said: “New Zealand is a key growth market for Airwallex, and partnering with the Blues reflects how we’re building our presence through meaningful, high-performance partnerships.
“By working with one of the country’s most iconic sporting teams, we’re able to show how Airwallex technology delivers real operational efficiencies and cost savings – enabling the Blues to focus on what matters most: performance on and off the field.”
The deal joins Airwallex’s wider sports lineup, which includes partnerships with McLaren Racing and Arsenal Football Club.
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