New Zealand Rugby threatens legal action over PNG Chiefs name

New Zealand Rugby has threatened legal action against the NRL over a trademark dispute regarding the name of a new Papua New Guinea-based rugby league team, the PNG Chiefs. The team is scheduled to join the NRL in 2028 as the competition’s 19th club and was formed as part of a $600 million Australian government-backed initiative aimed at countering Chinese influence in the Pacific.

New Zealand Rugby, which owns the Chiefs franchise in Super Rugby Pacific, stated that the name is not acceptable due to its established 30-year identity, including its logo and colors. The organization has requested that NRL officials reconsider the branding before a scheduled logo and jersey unveiling in Port Moresby next month. If the dispute is not resolved, New Zealand Rugby has indicated it is prepared to defend its trademark in court.