Papua New Guinea’s NRL franchise, the PNG Chiefs, is set to proceed with its jersey and identity launch next week after a court declines an interim injunction sought by New Zealand Rugby. Multiple outlets report the High Court ruling does not grant the urgent order, allowing the expansion club to move forward with its branding plans.
The dispute centers on the use of the “Chiefs” name and associated identity elements for the NRL franchise. Outlets describe the court’s decision as based partly on potential impact on the PNG team’s preparations, including attracting players ahead of its debut season. While New Zealand Rugby pursues legal relief to stop the launch, the NRL and PNG Chiefs are able to continue their expansion activities for now, following the first-round outcome in the legal “code war.”
