The New Zealand All Blacks are threatening to sue Launceston RFC, after the National League Division 2 minnows tried to trademark the name, ‘Cornish All Blacks’.
Paul Dalton, the NZRFU's commercial director, is quoted as saying. ‘In the professional era, the name ‘All Blacks’ is a highly recognisable, and commercially valuable, brand, with the NZRFU relying heavily on it for its revenue which, in turn, is vital to sustaining rugby at all levels in New Zealand.’
Once upon a time the All Blacks were revered in this country and adopted as a second team for many followers of the 15-man code. But over the years the good will has all but evaporated and this ridiculous non-sense does them no favours.
Apparently the Cornish All Blacks have used the moniker since 1948 and the episode reminds me of the equally ludicrous attempts by Victoria Beckham to sue Peterborough United FC for selling merchandise carrying their nickname ‘The Posh’.
Launceston RFC president Tony Randel summed up my feelings on this matter perfectly when he said, ‘We were dismayed but unfortunately not surprised when the New Zealand RFU objected to this move.’
