The NRL’s new PNG franchise is facing a trademark hurdle, with New Zealand Rugby moving to protect its Chiefs brand.
Australian media is reporting there is “geopolitical sensitivity” over the PNG Chiefs name, as it was endorsed by PNG Prime Minister James Marape following a public survey and talks between governments, the NRL and the club’s board.
NZ Rugby (NZR) has written to the NRL, urging it to reconsider the PNG franchise’s name.
NZR told 1News the Chiefs have been a professional rugby club since 1996 and “has an established identity and fanbase, both in the Pacific region and globally”.
“There are long-standing registered trademarks for the Chiefs logo in New Zealand and internationally, including in Australia.
“In addition, New Zealand Rugby has sought additional wordmark protections for the Chiefs name and made an application to IP Australia in October last year.”
NZ Rugby has told RNZ Pacific that the ball is now in the NRL’s court.
PNG Chiefs CEO says NRL entry ‘transformative’
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that two days after Marape’s announcement in October last year, the NRL applied to IP Australia to register the PNG Chiefs as a trademark.
Nearly a year later, the NRL has yet to have it approved due to objections from the NZR.
The outlet reported the NRL saying the same team names already exist in different sporting leagues and the PNG Chiefs would not be confused with the Waikato contingent.
“For example, there are many different sports teams from different locations that share names like Tigers, Panthers, Lions, Bears and Broncos, just to name a few,” the NRL’s lawyers said in a February submission.
However, IP Australia said fans may struggle to distinguish between the PNG Chiefs and the Super Rugby Pacific Chiefs.
The Waikato rugby side was formerly officially known as the Waikato Chiefs, but it now carries a sponsor’s moniker and is officially called the Gallagher Chiefs.
The franchise fields three main teams – the Gallagher Chiefs, the Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki, and their age-grade team, the University of Waikato Chiefs U20s.
Their company has held the trademark in Australia for its name and logo since 1998, with renewal due on 12 August 2028.
The Papua New Guinea Chiefs are on their way to entering the NRL in the 2028 season.
Facebook / PNG Chiefs
Chiefs name had ‘particular appeal’
The selection of the Chiefs name was a joint decision by the governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia, along with the Australian Rugby League Commission, following a public naming competition, which yielded more than 20,000 submissions.
The prime minister said the name ‘Chiefs’ had particular appeal for the PNG team, as the term ‘chief’ can be equally applied to a male or female leader in Papua New Guinea.
The PNG Chiefs also intend to establish an NRL-W side, and the name would be used by both teams.
Prime Minister Marape said the PNG Chiefs name is a fitting emblem as the country celebrated 50 years of independence in 2025, representing both the past and future of leadership in Papua New Guinea.
As part of the league package, Australia’s home affairs minister announced a special visa for those involved with or travelling to watch the PNG Chiefs.
Beginning in 2028, the PNG Chiefs’ debut NRL season, Papua New Guineans will pay about 75 kina – around US$17 – for the Australian visa – significantly cheaper than a standard tourist visa. The visa would be valid for up to 12 months. It will allow NRL-related work and activities for players, club officials and media, but fans cannot work under the visa.
Despite the naming issue, the PNG Chiefs franchise is still expected to unveil its logo and playing kit next month.
