Brief

New Zealand Rugby sues NRL over PNG Chiefs name

The legal challenge could force the Australian‑backed expansion side to be renamed before its October launch.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 08 Oct 2026 13:50:42 GMT

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced on Thursday that it has filed proceedings in the High Court of New Zealand to block the National Rugby League’s (NRL) upcoming expansion team, the PNG Chiefs, from using the name “Chiefs”. The move follows a warning letter sent by NZR to the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) earlier in the month, which warned that the use of the name would breach NZR’s trademark rights.

NZR’s statement said it is seeking both an interim and a final injunction to stop the use of “PNG Chiefs”, “Chiefs” or any similar names in New Zealand. The union claims it owns the trademark for the word “Chiefs” and the associated logo in both New Zealand and Australia, having protected the Super Rugby franchise based in Waikato since 1998. NZR argues that the NRL’s use of the same name for a team that will compete and trade in the same markets would cause “significant confusion and damage”.

The PNG Chiefs, backed politically by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, are slated to reveal their logo and jersey in Port Moresby later this month. The team’s launch is scheduled for 21 October 2026. NZR said the ARLC has indicated no intention to change the name, prompting the legal step. It added that an urgent hearing could be scheduled as early as next week.

NZR also highlighted the team’s aggressive recruitment drive, which has already secured several high‑profile players, including former NSW Blues winger Zac Lomax. The union expressed regret that “NZR has been unable to engage with the ARLC constructively towards a resolution” and warned that without the court action the name will remain unchanged ahead of the launch.

The NRL has been contacted for comment. In its response, the league noted that sharing team names across sports is not unusual, citing examples of clubs with identical names in different codes.

Key facts

NZ Rugby filed High Court proceedings in New Zealand to stop the NRL’s PNG Chiefs using the name “Chiefs”. (smh.com.au)
NZR claims ownership of the “Chiefs” trademark and logo in New Zealand and Australia since 1998. (smh.com.au)
The PNG Chiefs are scheduled to launch on 21 October 2026, with a logo reveal in Port Moresby later October. (smh.com.au)
NZR is seeking both interim and final injunctions, with a hearing possibly next week. (smh.com.au)
The team has already signed former NSW Blues winger Zac Lomax among other representative stars. (smh.com.au)