PNG Chiefs Name Dispute Heads To New Zealand High Court

The word "Chief" under dispute

Papua New Guinea’s incoming NRL team, the PNG Chiefs, is facing a naming dispute after New Zealand Rugby (NZR) launched legal proceedings against the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) over the use of the word “Chiefs”.

NZR chief executive Steve Lancaster said the organisation had turned to the courts after efforts to resolve the disagreement with the ARLC failed. The New Zealand rugby body argues that the name could create confusion with its Waikato-based Chiefs franchise, which competes in Super Rugby.

In a statement, Lancaster said NZR had been unable to reach a constructive agreement with the Australian rugby league authorities despite attempts to address its concerns.

“Regrettably, NZR has been unable to engage with the ARLC constructively towards a resolution,” he said.

NZR maintains that it must protect the identity and commercial interests of its Chiefs franchise, which has used the name and logo since 1996. The organisation says it holds trademark rights dating back to 1998, including protection in Australia.

The legal action seeks interim and final injunctions to prevent the ARLC from using “Chiefs”, “PNG Chiefs” or similar branding within New Zealand.

Lancaster argued that the growing public profile of the incoming NRL side had increased the risk of confusion between the two teams.

“If the NRL uses ‘Chiefs’ as the name for its expansion team playing and trading in those same markets, it will cause significant confusion and damage,” he said.

He added that the NRL team had received increased promotion during 2026 and was regularly being referred to as the Chiefs.

The dispute centres on the PNG franchise, which is scheduled to join the NRL as its 19th team in 2028.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has previously maintained that the commission has no plans to change the expansion club’s name.

The court action is not expected to affect the PNG team’s official launch scheduled for October 21.