Mitsubishi's Emissions Scandal Embarrassing The Rugby Football Union

The Rugby Football Union is "facing the huge embarrassment" of its new sponsorship partner becoming "embroiled in the global emissions scandal," according to Charles Sale of the London DAILY MAIL. Mitsubishi Motors, which was announced as BMW’s replacement as an official England rugby backer less than two weeks ago, is "in meltdown in Japan." Mitsubishi Motors' share price has "halved after the company admitted cheating fuel economy tests" since '91. The RFU has become "rampantly commercial" and BMW, which was a "safe blue-chip backer," lost out to Mitsubishi’s bigger offer which will see its "tarnished name" on the England U18 and U20 shirts. Marriott, despite having its branding on the Twickenham hotel, will not be extending its RFU sponsorship, with an insider at the group describing the increase demanded by the RFU as "extortionate" (DAILY MAIL, 4/26).