Rugby's Top Earners: The 20 Highest-Paid Players in the Game Right Now
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South Africa's Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi has climbed to the top of the rugby earnings leaderboard, dethroning England's Owen Farrell, according to Mywage.co.za.
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Kolisi's blockbuster move to the Sharks has seen his salary soar to a reported £808,000 per year, overtaking Farrell's £797,000 after his switch to Racing 92.
Kolisi's ascent is dramatic, leaping from fifth to first, while Farrell holds his own in the runner-up spot despite his recent move to France. This reshuffle highlights the ever-increasing value of rugby union’s global stars.
Siya Kolisi (Sharks) – £808k
The Sharks skipper has landed rugby's top salary, cementing his status as one of the sport's most marketable players. His influence extends beyond the pitch, with Kolisi a leading voice for social change in South Africa.
Owen Farrell (Racing 92) – £797k
England's stalwart fly-half has swapped Saracens for Paris, and his hefty salary reflects his stature. Farrell remains integral to England's hopes and Racing's ambition to dominate European rugby.
Finn Russell (Bath) – £795k
There's debate over Russell's true earnings, with some suggesting his salary hits the £1 million mark, which would make him rugby's highest-paid player. Officially, he rounds out the top three on £795k in his new role at Bath.
Other top earners include Cheslin Kolbe (£740k), Faf de Klerk (£716k), and Dan Biggar (£636k), showcasing the lucrative contracts in Japan and France. England's Maro Itoje, also on £636k, remains a standout, representing Saracens and the national team with distinction.
Rugby League Stars Feature
While union dominates the top ranks, rugby league has its own share of high earners. Australia's Kalyn Ponga (£506k) and Nathan Cleary (£502k) represent the pinnacle of NRL wages.
Pollard and Itoje Keep England in the Mix
England's Handré Pollard (£485k) and Maro Itoje ensure the Red Rose continues to have a strong presence in the financial stakes. Itoje, in particular, remains a critical figure for both club and country.
This list from Front Office Sports, alongside sources like Yahoo News and GQ Australia, captures the massive financial strides rugby players are making globally. As rugby evolves, it's clear that the gap between the highest earners in union and league is closing.
Who's next to break the £1 million barrier? Let the salary race begin.
- Siya Kolisi (Sharks) – £808k
- Owen Farrell (Racing 92) – £797k
- Finn Russell (Bath) – £795k
- Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – £740k
- Faf de Klerk (Yokohama Canon Eagles) – £716k
- Dan Biggar (Toulon) – £636k
- Maro Itoje (Saracens) – £636k
- Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) – £557k
- Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights) – £506k
- Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers) – £502k
- Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm) – £502k
- Mitchell Moses (Parrametta Eels) – £499k
- Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles) – £497k
- Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans) – £497k
- Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos) – £497k
- Steve Luatua (Bristol Bears) – £493k
- Nicholas Hynes (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks) – £492k
- James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters) – £492k
- Tom Trbojevic – (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles) – £492k
- Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – £485k
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Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
If you're over 30 and can't name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it's time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we'd rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby's golden era. If the names don't come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.
Think you've got what it takes to ace this one? Let's find out. Good luck!
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