New Zealand Rugby takes legal action over PNG Chiefs name

New Zealand Rugby has launched legal action over the PNG Chiefs name, seeking to prevent the NRL’s new Papua New Guinea club using it in New Zealand.

The governing body announced High Court proceedings on Thursday against the Australian Rugby League Commission’s decision to adopt the name for its expansion team.

It is seeking interim and final injunctions covering “PNG Chiefs”, “Chiefs” and similar names in New Zealand.

Why is the PNG Chiefs name disputed?

The Hamilton-based Chiefs have competed in Super Rugby since 1996.

In its official announcement, New Zealand Rugby said it owns trademark rights to the Chiefs name and logo in New Zealand, alongside protection for the logo in Australia.

It argues that another rugby team using the name in the same markets would create confusion and damage the existing brand.

NZR says it has raised concerns with the commission since October 2025 without reaching a resolution. The PNG club’s official launch is scheduled for 21 October.

Chief executive Steve Lancaster said: “We now have a responsibility to protect the Chiefs brand.”

He also stressed that NZR supports sporting development in the Pacific and that the dispute concerns branding.

Rugby league chief challenges complaint

ARLC executive chairman Peter V’landys criticised the move as hypocritical, Reuters reported.

He pointed to the Auckland Blues adopting a name already used by New South Wales’ rugby league representative side.

The PNG franchise is due to enter the NRL in 2028.

NZR’s announcement concerns an application for injunctions. It does not mean the court has ordered the team to change its name.