Judge blocks NZ Rugby's bid to stop NRL's PNG Chiefs name
A New Zealand High Court judge rejected NZ Rugby's urgent request to ban the NRL from using the PNG Chiefs team name.
Justice Karen Grau ruled against the injunction on Friday following a two-hour hearing in Wellington. NZ Rugby argued the established Chiefs brand would be "hugely damaged" by confusion and sought to stop the team's logo and jersey launch in Port Moresby next week.
The NRL countered that using the name in Australia and PNG does not breach New Zealand law and that rebranding at this point would be "next to impossible". The PNG Chiefs are set to debut in 2028.
Full arguments will be heard in New Zealand's High Court early next year. The team begins recruiting in November during the competition's free agency period.
- Port Moresby next week
- Logo and jersey launch
- 2028
- PNG Chiefs debut year
- November 1
- Free agency period start
- Two hours
- Hearing duration
Why it mattersTrademark disputes between sports codes test how far intellectual property rights extend across borders and which law takes precedence.
AustraliaThe NRL's expansion team to Papua New Guinea relies on brand credibility to attract players. This court outcome protects the team's recruitment and launch plans for 2028.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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