New Zealand Rugby takes legal action against new NRL side Papua New Guinea Chiefs over name trademark

New Zealand Rugby has initiated legal action against the upcoming NRL expansion side Papua New Guinea Chiefs over the use of the Chiefs name. The national governing body is seeking interim and final injunctions ahead of the rugby league team's scheduled brand launch on October 21. New Zealand Rugby holds the trademark for the Super Rugby Pacific Chiefs team, which has competed under the name for 30 years.

NZR chief executive Steve Lancaster stated that discussions with the Australian Rugby League Commission over the past year failed to reach a resolution. Super Rugby Chiefs chief executive Simon Graafhuis emphasized that the legal challenge is strictly intended to protect their established trademark and brand identity across New Zealand and Australia.