• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 21, 2025

The 20 Highest-Paid Rugby Players in the World

  • 7 players earn over $800 million annually
  • 10 of the highest-paid rugby players are from Australia’s National Rugby League
Rugby player in teal jersey escapes from pursuing defender in white jersey
Premier Rugby Sevens

The best players can earn lofty wages in the most popular rugby leagues worldwide. Owen Farrell, fly-half of Racing 92, tops the list as the highest-paid rugby player in the world for 2024.

He reportedly earns $1.2 million as a key position player in sparking attacks. The high-profile Englishman had spent his entire career at Saracens in the English Premiership. 

In January, the wealthy French club Racing 92 made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Racing 92 is part of the elite-level Top 14 French Rugby League. Russell had been making about $800,000 a year from Saracens, his home club since he was a teenager. 

The offer from Racing 92 boosted him to the top of the list. 

Finn Russell is the second highest-paid rugby player. He’s the only other player on the list to earn over $1 million a year for his services. 

Russell signed for Bath in the English Premiership for $1 million in 2023. He’s also Scotland’s co-captain for their national squad and is a fly-half.

South African winger Cheslin Kolbe earns the third spot for his exceptional play. He formerly played in France’s Top 14 for Toulon. 

Kolbe’s 2023 deal for a reported $930,000 sent him to Japan. He now plays with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan’s Rugby Union League. 

Faf De Klerk is the highest-paid scrum-half on the list. His annual salary of $900,000 establishes him as the fourth highest-paid rugby player. 

A fellow South African, De Klerk left the English side Sale Sharks in 2022. He signed with the Japanese club Yokohama Canon Eagles after their immense offer. 

The captain of South Africa’s Rugby team, Siya Kolisi, makes the list at fifth. Kolisi plays for the French club Racing 92 for an estimated $800,000 to $850,000 a year. 

He helped captain South Africa to back-to-back World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023. 

The National Rugby League, based in Australia and New Zealand, fields the most valuable Rugby players in the world. Ten players make the highest-paid rugby players list. 

Japan’s Rugby League One and France’s Top 14 have two players each among the top five highest-paid rugby players. 

Rugby in countries like the US has a long way to go to catch up in spending. The sport continues to gain popularity and may eventually land players on the list.

Ranking The Highest-Paid Rugby Players

Here is the full list of the highest-paid rugby players of 2024, compiled using data from Yahoo News, GQ Australia, and The Scotsman.

  • Updated: November 5, 2024
RankPlayerPositionTeamOrganizationTotal Compensation
1Owen FarrellFly-halfRacing 92Top 14 (Rugby League)$1.002 million
2Finn RussellFly-halfBathPremiership Rugby (Rugby Union)$1 million
3Cheslin KolbeWingSuntory SungoliathJapan Rugby League One (Rugby Union)$930K-$937K
4Faf De KlerkScrum-HalfYokohama Canon EaglesJapan Rugby League One (Rugby Union)$900K
5Siya KolisiFlankerRacing 92Top 14 (Rugby League)$800K-$850K
T-6Dan BiggarFly-halfToulonTop 14 (Rugby League)$800K
T-6Maro ItojeLockSaracensPremiership Rugby (Rugby Union)$800K
8Antoine DupontScrum-HalfTouloseTop 14 (Rugby League)$700K
9Kalyn PongaFullbackNewcastle KnightsNational Rugby League$637K
T-10Nathan ClearyHalfbackPenrith PanthersNational Rugby League$631K
T-10Cameron MunsterFive-EighthMelbourne StormNational Rugby League$631K
12Mitchell MosesHalfbackParramatta EelsNational Rugby League$628K
T-13Daly Cherry-EvansHalfbackManly-Warringah Sea EaglesNational Rugby League$625K
T-13Tino Fa’asuamaleauiPropGold Coast TitansNational Rugby League$625K
T-13Payne HaasPropBrisbane BroncosNational Rugby League$625K
16Steven LuatuaFlankerBristol BearsPremiership Rugby (Rugby Union)$620K
17Nicholas HynesFive-EighthCronulla-Sutherland SharksNational Rugby League$619K
18James TedescoFullbackSydney RoostersNational Rugby League$619K
19Tom TrbojevicFullbackManly-Warringah Sea EaglesNational Rugby League$619K
20Handre PollardFly-halfLeicester TigersPremiership Rugby (Rugby Union)$610K

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Kirill Kaprizov’s Mega-Deal Signals New Era in NHL Spending

The NHL team raises its prior offer and closes the deal.
Sep 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) runs to first base during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

The $339 Million Mets Are in Jeopardy of Missing the Playoffs

The Mets’ wild-card lead is 1.5 games with 15 remaining in the regular season.

Kaprizov’s Record Contract Rejection Highlights NHL’s New World

The declined contract would have set records for overall and annual value.
Hosszu

World Aquatics Reaches $4.6 Million Settlement With Pro Swimmers

Meanwhile, the International Swimming League’s case heads to trial in January.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
October 19, 2025

Jannik Sinner’s $6M Saudi Payday Tops Any Grand Slam Purse

The other five participants received $1.5 million.
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) hands off the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
October 20, 2025

Mac Jones, Daniel Jones Cash In on Big Incentive Money

Both quarterbacks have hit big contract incentives just halfway through the season.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Kevin Durant
October 19, 2025

Durant’s $30M Discount Still Makes Him Highest NBA Career Earner

The deal will put Durant at $598 million in career earnings.
Jan 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Wells Fargo Center
October 16, 2025

Golden Knights Add Hockey Canada Trial’s Carter Hart

Hart is the only acquitted player to sign with an NHL team.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC sits during a break in their TGL golf match against Atlanta Drive GC at SoFi Center on March 4, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
October 13, 2025

Latest Tiger Woods Surgery Bad News for TGL, PGA Tour Champions

Woods is recovering from his seventh back surgery in 11 years.
Nov 28, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit:
October 9, 2025

Hockey Canada Trial’s Michael McLeod Signs Outside NHL

Fans in Carolina protested the team’s interest in the Hockey Canada 5.