NZ Rugby goes to court over PNG 'Chiefs' name

Rugby union officials have launched New Zealand High Court proceedings to prevent the National Rugby League's (NRL) new Papua New Guinea-based franchise from using the "Chiefs" name in New Zealand.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said the move was an effort to protect the brand of the Waikato-based Chiefs, who have played in the Super Rugby competition across Australasia since rugby union turned professional in 1996.

The NRL, which is Australia-based but has one team in the New Zealand city of Auckland, announced the expansion of the league to Papua New Guinea in 2024.

The island nation's Prime Minister James Marape unveiled the name "Chiefs" the following year.

NZR said attempts to engage the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) over the issue had been unsuccessful and it was seeking an interim and final injunction against the use of the name before the Papua New Guinea team was officially launched later this month.