The PNG Chiefs logo and jersey is due to be unveiled at an event this month but rugby authorities oppose the name because of a clash with their own team.
New Zealand Rugby has commenced legal proceedings in the High Court of New Zealand against the Australian Rugby League Commission over the naming of the NRL's expansion franchise, the PNG Chiefs. NZ Rugby is seeking an interim and final injunction to prevent the use of the Chiefs name, asserting that it infringes upon the identity and trademarks of its long-running Super Rugby franchise based in the Waikato region.
The court action follows Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys' refusal to change the name ahead of an official launch on October 21, 2026. NZ Rugby stated the duplicate branding will create market confusion, while rugby Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis highlighted the risks of two similar sports competing across identical markets.
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