New Zealand Rugby officially starts legal action against NRL over use of ‘Chiefs’

‘It will cause significant confusion and damage.’

By Cameron Noakes · 7news

Published: Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 1:17 AM

Key Things to Know

New Zealand Rugby launched legal action against the ARLC over the NRL's new Papua New Guinea "Chiefs" franchise.
NZR is seeking an injunction in the High Court of New Zealand to block the use of the name.
The rugby governing body holds trademark protection for the Super Rugby Chiefs brand in New Zealand and Australia.

The Story in 60 Seconds

New Zealand Rugby has filed proceedings in the High Court of New Zealand against the Australian Rugby League Commission over the naming of its new Papua New Guinea NRL expansion franchise. NZR is seeking an injunction to stop the use of "PNG Chiefs" or "Chiefs," arguing the branding infringes on its established Super Rugby franchise that has competed under the name since 1996.

NZR stated it owns trademark rights to the name and logo in New Zealand and trademark protection for the logo in Australia. Despite previous concerns raised since October 2025, ARLC executive chairman Peter V'landys previously maintained no plans to change the name ahead of the official launch on October 21, 2026.

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New Zealand Rugby officially starts legal action against NRL over use of ‘Chiefs’

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