PVL, Chiefs have first win over NZ Rugby in legal fight over NRL’s new team

ARLC boss Peter V’landys vowed to protect the PNG Chiefs over a challenge from rugby union and the franchise has had its first legal win.

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NZ Rugby recently launched legal action against the NRL over the naming of the soon-to-be 19th team.

NZ Rugby holds the trademark rights for both the word and logo for the Super Rugby team, the Chiefs, based in Hamilton.

Earlier this month NZ Rugby filed proceedings in the High Court of New Zealand, arguing the NRL’s new team will “cause significant confusion and damage” in Australian and New Zealand markets.

But a judge rejected the bid for an injunction after hearing that it could hurt the NRL expansion team’s ability to buy players ahead of its debut season in 2028.

Chiefs launch legal action | 00:48

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The dispute will now be played out in a New Zealand courtroom early next year.

NZ Rugby pursued the legal action ahead of the PNG Chiefs unveiling of their team logo and jersey, which is due to occur next week on October 21.

Justice Karen Grau rejected its injunction application on Friday in New Zealand’s High Court in Wellington.

It’s been reported by the Sydney Morning Herald that NZ Rugby argued the NRL had been “negligent” by not checking with them about the use of the name ‘Chiefs’ and its colours.

“They’ve brought this issue on themselves and inexplicably, now want to get away with it,” NZ Rugby’s barrister Earl Gray said.

“They didn’t search, they didn’t check. They’ve thumbed their noses at New Zealand and its laws.”

In response to the action, V’landys said last week: “We will defend this vigorously. The hypocrisy is mind-blowing, considering the Auckland Blues in 1996 used the NSW Blues name without any consultation or approval. The NSW Blues had been the Blues for in excess of 50 years before that.”

The NRL’s barrister Clive Elliott said the November 1 period, where a stack of NRL players will become free agents, was crucial to the PNG Chiefs as they try to build their first squad.

Elliott said a ruling against the NRL could set the Chiefs back “irreparably”.

“If there is this cloud hanging over this new team, people are going to say, ‘Why would I move to Port Moresby when it’s under threat’?” he said.

NZR CEO Steve Lancaster said in a statement last week that the organisation has a “responsibility to protect the Chiefs brand”.

“For 30 years the Chiefs and their players have built an incredibly strong identity that is widely recognised and loved by fans,” he said.

“We have raised our concerns with the ARLC directly and consistently over the last year in attempting to find a resolution. We now have a responsibility to protect the Chiefs brand.”

The PNG Chiefs welcomed the decision.

“The PNG Chiefs look forward to the launch of our inaugural logo and supporter jersey in Port Moresby,” PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said.

“As the matter remains before the court, no further comment on this matter will be provided at this time.”