Novel RZn2Ga2 intermetallics with R=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm have been synthesized and characterized with regards to their crystal structures and magnetic properties. The compounds form with a tetragonal structure of the BaAl4 type (space group I4/mmm). Except for LaZn2Ga2, they exhibit localised magnetism due to the presence of magnetic moments on the respective trivalent rare earth ions. The Pr-, Nd- and Sm-based compounds order antiferromagnetically at low temperatures with likely contribution of some ferromagnetic components.