Auckland Nines nets new sponsor

The NRL have found a new sponsor for the Auckland Nines following the collapse of electronics retailer Dick Smith.

Engineering and infrastructure group Downer were announced on Tuesday as the new naming rights sponsor for the popular preseason tournament, less than three weeks before it kicks off.

NRL chief commercial officer Michael Brown said the new deal was a vote of confidence in the event.

Big Bash League franchise the Melbourne Stars were also forced to find a new shirt sponsor after the former electronics giant went into receivership earlier in January.

In its third year, the Nines will be held on February 6 and 7.