A dispute between Tongan Rugby Union and a French media company has ended in the High Court in Dublin.
The Irish court heard that the action over an agreement alleged to have been made in 2014 had been withdrawn.
French company Team One Events claimed the Tongan sporting body had agreed to the use of its image rights until the end of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The court was told the dispute had serious implications for Tonga’s preparations for this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Team One said that under the contract it would get 30% commission on any income generated from the exploitation of the image rights and that the Tonga Union would get a minimum of US$300,000, half of which was paid up front after the contract was signed.
The company claimed that the Tongan Union was forbidden from entering into contracts with third parties as Tonga’s match or tournament sponsors until after the 2015 World cup
Team One claimed that in June 2014 Tonga put the name of a sponsor on their shirts without Team One Events permission in a game against Samoa.
The company obtained a French court order €143,000(TP$374,000) against the Tongan body.
According to the Irish Examiner, Team One Events tried to enforce the judgement through the Irish courts by obtaining an order compelling rugby union’s world governing body, World Rugby Ltd, which is registered in Ireland, to pay it money due to be paid to the Tongans.
However, when it went to court this week, World Rugby said the matter had been withdrawn by consent with Team One Events.
World Rugby said no money had been paid to Team One Events.
World Rugby said it did not want any “copycat” applications to be made over grant payments it makes to unions including Tonga’s.
The main points
- A dispute between Tongan Rugby Union and a French media company has ended in the High Court in Dublin.
- The Irish court heard that the action over an agreement alleged to have been made in 2014 had been withdrawn.
For more information
French-based media company withdraw legal action against Tonga ruby union
