New Zealand Rugby Challenged PNG Team Name
New Zealand Rugby has urged the National Rugby League to rename its upcoming Papua New Guinea franchise.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
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New Zealand Rugby has formally requested that the National Rugby League reconsider using the name Chiefs for its new Papua New Guinea team. This move follows an IP Australia decision to reject the league's attempt to register the Chiefs trademark.
Why it matters
The existing Chiefs rugby franchise claims that an identical name will cause significant confusion among fans and sponsors. The organization is working to protect the brand identity and support base it has cultivated over the past 30 years.
The existing Chiefs rugby franchise has maintained its trademark in Australia since 1998. Meanwhile, the Australian government has committed 600 million AUD in funding over 10 years to support the new Papua New Guinea team.
The players
New Zealand Rugby
This is the governing body for rugby union in New Zealand that seeks to protect the established Chiefs brand.
National Rugby League
This is the professional rugby league competition based in Australia that is preparing to expand into Papua New Guinea.
IP Australia
This is the Australian government agency responsible for managing intellectual property rights and trademarks.
The details
New Zealand Rugby contacted the National Rugby League to advocate for a name change after the trademark application was denied. The Papua New Guinea franchise is currently preparing to reveal its official brand and logo on October 21, 2026.
Timeline
The Chiefs rugby franchise secured its Australian trademark in 1998.
The new Papua New Guinea franchise brand and logo launch is set for October 21, 2026.
The Papua New Guinea team is scheduled to join the National Rugby League in 2028.
Travel Outlook
This trademark dispute follows the established legal framework provided by the Australian Trademarks Act 1995. The ruling highlights the strict criteria governing brand protection in international sports markets.
Fans of the upcoming Papua New Guinea team should monitor the October 2026 brand launch to see if the organization adopts a new name. This development will determine the final branding for merchandise and official team gear before the 2028 season begins.
The takeaway
Maintaining distinct brand identities is essential for sports franchises to avoid confusion among international fan bases. Future expansion efforts in the National Rugby League will likely require more rigorous trademark vetting before brand announcements.
What happens next
The Papua New Guinea franchise is scheduled to unveil its official brand identity and logo on October 21, 2026, followed by its entry into the National Rugby League competition in 2028.
Further reading
Learn more about the region in our Australia and New Zealand section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RNZ.
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