Media Insider: Chiefs v Chiefs in High Court – judge rejects NZ Rugby bid for interim injunction to halt NRL team launch

Judge rejects NZR bid, clearing the way for jersey and logo launch of new Chiefs NRL team.

By Shayne Currie · NZ Herald

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 3:14 AM

Key Things to Know

A High Court judge rejected NZ Rugby's bid to halt the branding launch of a new PNG NRL team named the Chiefs.
Justice Karen Grau ruled in Wellington that the launch could proceed ahead of a full decision release.
NZ Rugby argued the new rugby league franchise would cause confusion and dilute its Super Rugby Chiefs brand.

The Story in 60 Seconds

A Wellington High Court judge has rejected an urgent interim injunction requested by New Zealand Rugby to halt the jersey and logo launch of a new Papua New Guinea NRL team named the Chiefs. Justice Karen Grau announced the decision on Friday, clearing the way for the PNG team's branding launch next week ahead of its planned entry into the NRL in 2028.

NZ Rugby had argued that the new team's name would dilute its Waikato-based Super Rugby franchise's brand and confuse supporters. The NRL countered that sports fans can distinguish between rugby union and rugby league, with the parties now expected to either reach a settlement or proceed to a full trademark trial next year.

Read the full article on NZ Herald

Media Insider: Chiefs v Chiefs in High Court – judge rejects NZ Rugby bid for interim injunction to halt NRL team launch

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