NZ Rugby and NRL Chiefs name dispute

The story so far

New Zealand Rugby filed a High Court injunction application to stop the incoming Papua New Guinea NRL team from using the Chiefs name.^{8 Oct} A lawyer said the trademark case may look strong but the legal fight might not be straightforward, and the PNG Chiefs said they would go ahead with their launch regardless.^{8 Oct} The NRL said it was blindsided by the bid, while NZ Rugby said it had struggled to engage with rugby league officials.^{12 Oct} The High Court in Wellington then declined NZ Rugby's application for an interim injunction.^{16 Oct}

Latest

The PNG Chiefs unveiled their first logo and black jersey at a ceremony in Port Moresby, following the High Court decision.^{16, 21 Oct} The trademark dispute is described as ongoing.^{16 Oct}

What's next

The club is due to join the NRL as its 19th team in 2028.^{21 Oct}

Key moments

1. 8 OctNZ Rugby files High Court injunction over the Chiefs name
2. 12 OctNRL says it was blindsided; urgent hearing set for Wellington
3. 16 OctHigh Court declines NZ Rugby's interim injunction application
4. 21 OctPNG Chiefs unveil logo and jersey ahead of 2028 NRL entry

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.