The agreement will see the company, the world’s fourth largest producer of iron ore, provide financial backing for the teams as they build towards this year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Champions Trophy.

Their previous deal with the World Hockey League winning men’s team, dubbed the Kookaburras, had two years left to run but Fortescue have now opted to extend the agreement until 2021.

Their sponsorship of the women’s team, the Hockeyroos, will also run for five years.

 “Fortescue’s desire to expand and extend its support of hockey is a ringing endorsement of our sport,” said Cam Vale, Hockey Australia chief executive.

“The strength of the relationship lies in the fact that it is about more than simply putting logos on uniforms, it’s about making a difference, whether that’s in company offices, out in remote communities in the Pilbara, or on the hockey pitch.

“We recognise our athletes for their ability, not their gender, and the addition of the Hockeyroos to Fortescue’s existing sponsorship portfolio is another significant marker for hockey as one of Australia’s most gender-equal sports.”

Having extended their sponsorship of the two national teams, Fortescue also moved to continue their support of Hockey Australia’s National Indigenous Programme, extending their existing deal for a further five years.

The programme aims sees Australian athletes aim to promote positive behaviours, school attendance, participation in sport and a healthy lifestyle in the Pilbara region, which is well known for its aboriginal people.

Fortescue, who are based near the region in Western Australia, have been supporting the programme since 2011.

“The programme has been well received by students, teachers and the players themselves and we are committed to further growing the program’s footprint over time,” said Nev Power, Fortescue chief executive.

“The sponsorship of the Hockeyroos fits well with our desire to grow the indigenous program, but also to publicly demonstrate our commitment to gender equality.

“Hockey Australia pools sponsorship revenues and pays female and male athletes equally, but by signing on formally as a sponsor, we are very excited to be more directly associated with the Hockeyroos.”