NZ Rugby sues to stop NRL team using Chiefs name
New Zealand Rugby sued to stop the NRL naming its PNG team the Chiefs.
New Zealand Rugby has filed proceedings in New Zealand's High Court seeking an injunction to block the Australian Rugby League Commission from using the Chiefs name for its new NRL expansion team in Papua New Guinea.
NZR owns trademark rights for Chiefs in New Zealand and has held them in Australia since 1998. The professional rugby team, known as Gallagher Chiefs, has competed in Super Rugby since 1996 and built a strong regional identity.
NZR said it tried for over a year to resolve the issue with the ARLC but failed to reach agreement. The league team is set to launch on 21 October 2026.
ARLC executive chairman Peter V'landys has said there are no plans to change the name. NZR's chief executive said the concern is not about league's growth in the Pacific but about confusion in the same sports market.
- since 1996
- Chiefs in Super Rugby
- since 1998
- NZR trademark in Australia
- 21 October 2026
- NRL team launch date
- over one year
- NZR negotiation period
Why it mattersIf NZR wins, the new NRL team must rebrand weeks before launch; if the NRL wins, it sets a precedent that teams in different codes can share names even in overlapping markets.
AustraliaAn Australian court decision is likely if the case proceeds, but NZR is suing in New Zealand, so the ruling may affect how the NRL operates across Tasman but not directly in Australia unless enforced.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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