Courts / Ireland / Report

Pacific Island's rugby dispute comes before High Court

Summary

The High Court heard a dispute involving the Tongan Rugby Union and the French media company SARL Team One Events over image‑rights payments. Team One Events, which had a contract with the Union in 2014, claims it is owed €143,000 from a French court judgment that has not been satisfied. The company seeks a garnishee order in Ireland to compel World Rugby Ltd, registered in Ireland, to pay the judgment amount to Team One Events instead of to the Tongan Union. The case was adjourned to a later date in the month, with the judge noting the urgency because Tonga is preparing for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, which starts on 20 September. The dispute centres on alleged breach of the 2014 contract when Tonga used a sponsor's name on shirts without permission, leading to the French claim. The Tongan Union and World Rugby have not yet responded to the application.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pacific Island's rugby dispute comes before High Court. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• September 20th Adjournment
• March 2014 Adjournment
• June 2014 Other
• 2019-04-01 Publication

Why: In order to enforce the French Court's judgement, the company seeks an order from the Irish courts known as a garnishee order. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report