NZ Rugby goes to High Court to protect 'Chiefs' name from PNG league franchise
- 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.
Unverified
- 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.
Sources: ABC Australia