Papua New Guinea's new rugby league franchise, the PNG Chiefs, has welcomed a New Zealand High Court decision turning down New Zealand Rugby's request for an interim injunction over the team's name, RNZ reports.
NZ Rugby is trying to stop the franchise using the Chiefs name, which it says dilutes its own trademarked Chiefs brand, before the team enters the NRL in 2028. The dispute is expected to go to a full trial next year. In her ruling, Justice Karen Grau noted undertakings by the NRL to limit confusion in the meantime.
Chiefs Rugby chief executive Simon Graafhuis said the decision was not the outcome they had hoped for but did not undermine their case. The NRL and the PNG Chiefs have indicated they would refuse to play in New Zealand if forced to change the name. The franchise launches its logo in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
Source: RNZ
