The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and All Blacks sponsor Lion Nathan today announced that Steinlager will sponsor the International Test Series in June 2010.

Lion Nathan will sponsor the three inbound Tests in June under its Steinlager brand. The Steinlager Series kicks off in New Plymouth with the All Blacks facing Ireland on 12 June, followed by two Tests against Wales on 19 June in Dunedin and 26 June in Hamilton.

NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew welcomed the Steinlager Series as a seamless extension of an existing commercial relationship with Steinlager.

"Steinlager already have a strong association with us through their long-standing unconditional support of the All Blacks. The Steinlager Series is a great way to further cement their place in our group of All Blacks sponsors," Steve Tew said.

Lion Nathan Managing Director Peter Kean said they were very excited about the opportunity to be closely involved in the Steinlager Series.

"We are very proud to support the All Blacks and the Steinlager Series will be a great way to launch the All Blacks 2010 campaign. The All Blacks clashes against Ireland and Wales will be exciting and draw on over a hundred years of rivalry with both nations, and we are looking forward to being a part of that," Kean said.

The June International Series was previously sponsored by Iveco, which remains one of the All Blacks' international sponsors.