Linwood Keas’ feathers ruffled over plan to use name in NRL bid

Discussions are under way behind the scenes over a proposed South Island NRL franchise’s plan to use an almost identical name to Canterbury’s top rugby league side.

The South Island Kea – headed by former New Zealand Rugby and NRL chief executive David Moffett – aim to submit a bid to join the NRL when it next expands, likely before 2028.

But the name has ruffled feathers at the Linwood Keas, Canterbury’s club grand-final winner seven times in the past eight seasons.

Linwood club president Andrew Auimatagi told The Star yesterday: “Our brand is 111 years old, so, yeah, we need to do what we can to protect our brand.”

The Star understands Linwood is taking legal advice over the matter.

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Questions from The Star yesterday over potential issues between the Linwood Keas and South Island Kea over the name appear to have prompted hasty calls between various parties.

Moffett said not contacting Linwood before last week’s announcement was a “mistake”, but one he was looking to rectify.

He had left a message on a Linwood official’s voicemail yesterday.

“We have been moving so fast that a couple of things have fallen through the cracks, and one of them has been the Linwood Keas, and I’m onto that.”

Moffett said he hoped the two organisations could work together.

“We’re not going to steal their thunder or anything like that, but we’re just going to work with them. I think we can help them, as a part of the kea family if you like.”

The Kea are one of two South Island bids trying to enter the NRL.

Former Canterbury Rugby League chief executive Tony Kidd has also announced plans for an as yet unnamed side.

Both his and Moffett’s planned teams would be based at Christchurch’s new Te Kaha stadium, which is due to open in 2026.

Moffett will present the details of his planned bid to the Canterbury Rugby League board and New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Greg Peters on Monday.

CRL chief executive Malcolm Humm said he anticipated Moffett would be asked about the name at the board meeting.