chiefs acknowledge decision not to grant interim injunction
Chiefs Rugby Club acknowledges today’s decision by the High Court of New Zealand not to grant New Zealand Rugby (NZR) an interim injunction.
The application sought to prevent the use of the names “PNG Chiefs”, “Chiefs” or any similar names in New Zealand. NZR respects the Court’s decision based on commitments made by the NRL to not promote the name in New Zealand.
Today’s decision relates only to the interim injunction. It is not a ruling on the merits of NZR’s case, the application for a final injunction remains before the Court and will likely be bought before the courts in early 2027.
Chiefs Rugby Club Chairman Errol Brain said: “Having literally bled for this club as a player and captain, I feel an even greater responsibility today to protect its brand and legacy. We owe that to those who have gone before us, and to the players, coaches, staff, and fans who are part of this great club today and those who will become part of it in the years ahead.”
NZR’s position has not changed: having two teams called the Chiefs, playing similar codes in the same commercial markets, is likely to cause confusion.
NZR remains firmly of the view that the Chiefs name cannot be used in New Zealand without infringing protections that have been in place since 1998.
Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis said:
“To our fans, thank you for your support. This is an early step, and the full case is still to be heard. The Chiefs name means a great deal to this region and its people, and we will keep standing up for it.”
Since October 2025, NZR has raised its concerns directly with the ARLC in the hope of resolving the matter without going to court.
NZR CEO Steve Lancaster said:
“Today’s decision is not a judgment on the strength of our case, and the matter will still be heard in full. As the trademark holder, our responsibility to protect the Chiefs brand hasn’t changed.
“This has never been is not about rugby league’s growth in the Pacific, and we remain open to working with the ARLC on a solution.”
Chiefs Rugby Club will continue to support NZR as the process progresses.
For all media enquiries please contact [email protected]
