LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The PNG Chiefs may face a potential name change, as reports indicate that New Zealand Rugby is seeking legal advice to safeguard the 'Chiefs' designation.
Following the announcement by PNG Prime Minister James Marape about the name of the NRL's 19th team, The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that the choice of 'Chiefs' for the club has drawn the attention of New Zealand Rugby, which operates a Super Rugby team with the same name.
In addition to adopting the name of the Waikato-based team, the NRL's latest franchise also plans to use similar black, red, and yellow colors.
"New Zealand Rugby is aware that there are examples of the Chiefs name used by teams in different sporting contexts internationally," NZ Rugby stated.
"the focus is on protecting the Chiefs trademark in Australasia, where the rights date back to the team's inception, when Super Rugby began in 1996."
"We can confirm we have corresponded with the Australian Rugby League Commission about their decision to name a new team the Chiefs and are working in good faith toward an outcome that works for all parties."
Currently, the NRL has refrained from commenting on the matter. However, sources indicate that the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has trademarked 'PNG Chiefs' rather than just 'Chiefs'.