PNG Chiefs unveiled their inaugural jersey despite rugby union's failed legal
PNG Chiefs unveiled their first jersey and logo after a court rejected New Zealand Rugby's legal challenge.
The PNG Chiefs unveiled their first jersey and logo at a launch in Port Moresby attended by Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister and Australian government officials. The logo features a chief with four elements: a feather headpiece for earned status, a cassowary bone for warrior courage, a face representing the nation, and kina shells for wealth.
The design was created by PNG graphic artists and features cultural drawings by local artist TABU. New Zealand Rugby had sought an urgent injunction last Friday to stop the NRL team using the Chiefs name, arguing it breached the trademark of the rugby union's existing Chiefs franchise.
The court rejected the application, and the matter will be heard in New Zealand next year. The NRL argued the name use in Australia and PNG posed no trademark problem.
PNG is the only country where rugby league is the national sport.
- James Marape
- Prime Minister attendee
- More than 800
- Languages in PNG
- 2028
- NRL entry year
- PNG graphic artists and TABU
- Logo designer
Why it mattersThe logo and name now serve as a symbol for a nation with more than 800 languages. The team enters the NRL in 2028.
AustraliaAustralian Rugby League Commissioners attended the launch, and Australia's foreign affairs and Pacific island ministers were present, signalling government support for the expansion into the region.
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