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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Exclusive by Matt Hughes

Qatar Airways puts Nations Championship sponsorship on hold due to fallout from war

Marcus Smith attacks for England against South Africa
England will face South Africa on the opening day of the Nations Championship but the competition will start without a title sponsor. Photograph: Kin Cheung/AP

Qatar Airways has put its £80m sponsorship of rugby union’s new Nations Championship on hold due to the fallout from the war in the Middle East.

The Guardian has learned that while the state-owned airline remains committed to the deal, contracts have not been signed, and the inaugural edition of the new competition will kick off next week without a title sponsor.

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