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New Zealand Rugby made the announcement following a High Court ruling as they seek to block the use of the name “Chiefs” by a new rugby league franchise based in Papua New Guinea.
The High Court refused to grant an interim injunction, paving the way for PNG Bosses brand launch later this month, although the NZR insists the ruling does not address the merits of its trademark case.
The new 13-man squad is set to compete in the NRL from the 2028 season.
With both sides now preparing for the next phase of the legal battle, NZR says it remains determined to protect the Chiefs identity it claims has been established in New Zealand rugby for nearly three decades.
The statement read: “New Zealand Rugby (NZR) acknowledges today’s decision by the High Court of New Zealand not to grant an interim injunction preventing the use of the names “PNG Chiefs”, “Chiefs” or any similar name in New Zealand. NZR respects the court’s decision.
“Today’s decision only applies to a temporary injunction. It is not a judgment on the merits of the NZR case, and the request for a final injunction remains before the Court.
“The NZR acknowledges the commitments made by the ARLC to the Court to take active steps to avoid confusion in New Zealand when the brand was launched on October 21. The Court relied on these commitments and recognizes the concerns raised by the NZR from October 2025.
“NZR’s position has not changed: two teams named Chiefs, playing similar codes in the same commercial markets, are likely to cause confusion. NZR remains firm that the Chiefs name cannot be used in New Zealand without breaching protections that have existed since 1998.
“As of October 2025, NZR has taken its concerns directly to the ARLC in the hope of resolving the issue without going to court.”
NZR chief executive Steve Lancaster insisted the High Court decision was “not a judgment on our case”, stressing that, as the trademark holder, the union’s responsibility to protect the Chiefs brand “hasn’t changed” and it remained open to finding a solution with the ARLC.
Chiefs chief executive Simon Graafhuis thanked supporters and described the decision as just an “early step”, vowing to continue to champion a name that “means a lot to this region and its people”.
Chairman Errol Brain sounded particularly emotional, saying he had “literally bled for this club” and felt a duty to protect its “brand and legacy” for future generations.
