The PNG Chiefs rugby league franchise will launch its official team colours and logo on 21 October despite an ongoing dispute over its trademark and name.
According to PNG’s Post-Courier newspaper, PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson confirmed the launch is still on, while the NRL continues to handle the dispute.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has written to the NRL, urging it to reconsider the PNG franchise’s name due to the Super Rugby Pacific Chiefs.
The Gallagher Chiefs rugby franchise has held the trademark in Australia for its name and logo since 1998.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape has described PNG Chiefs as a development that could be “transformational” for the nation.
The prime minister has also said the PNG Chiefs name was a fitting emblem as the country celebrated 50 years of independence in 2025.
According to Marape, the name ‘Chiefs’ had particular appeal for the PNG team, as the term ‘chief’ could be equally applied to a male or female leader in PNG.
However, NZR has said that there are long-standing registered trademarks for the Chiefs logo in New Zealand and internationally, including in Australia.
NZR told RNZ Pacific earlier this month that the ball is now in the NRL’s court.
