AMI Sport and Entertainment Pty Ltd v The Rugby Union Players Association Inc

AMI Sport and Entertainment Pty Ltd brought an application against The Rugby Union Players Association Inc, seeking an interlocutory injunction to restrain the Association from interfering with the broadcast of rugby matches. The matter was heard in the Federal Court of Australia. The primary issue before the court was whether the application for an interlocutory injunction should be granted, particularly in light of the applicants' delay in filing the application, and the balance of convenience.

The court examined the delay in filing the application and noted that while delay is a factor to be considered, it is not necessarily determinative. The court weighed the balance of convenience and considered the respective positions of the parties, including the potential harm to the applicants if the injunction were not granted. The court found that the balance of convenience favoured granting the injunction, given the significant impact on the applicants' business and the potential for irreparable harm if the rugby matches were not broadcast as planned.

Ultimately, the court concluded that despite the delay, the balance of convenience favoured the applicants. The court was satisfied that the applicants had demonstrated a strong likelihood of success on the merits of the case, and that the potential harm to the applicants outweighed any prejudice caused by the delay. Consequently, the court granted the interlocutory injunction.

The court's final orders included an injunction restraining the Rugby Union Players Association from interfering with the broadcast of the rugby matches, with directions for further proceedings to be determined at a later date.