NRL wins first round in battle with NZ Rugby over Chiefs name

The NRL has enjoyed a victory in round one of the code war over the PNG Chiefs name, with a judge turning down a bid by New Zealand Rugby for an urgent injunction after hearing that it could harm the expansion team’s efforts to attract players ahead of its debut season in 2028. A judge has turned down New Zealand Rugby’s bid for an urgent injunction after hearing that it could harm the new PNG team’s efforts to attract players.