The highest-paid Rugby players in the world

• Handré Pollard from South Africa is the highest Ruby player in the world, the Rugby star plays for the South African national team and Montpellier
• Some of the world’s best athletes are among the highest-paid rugby players in the world
• Charles Piutau ties with Pollard; he does not play for the national team but continues to play in the English Premiership for Bristol Bears

Rugby is a popular sport worldwide, but especially in Europe. It has surpassed the Olympics as the world’s third most-watched sporting event. 

Rugby players have achieved fame and renown through their dedication, hard work, and game-playing solid abilities. here is a list of the world’s highest-paid rugby players annually.

7. Beauden Barrett $1.06 (New Zealand / Suntory Sungoliath)

Beauden Barrett. Photo: Odu News

Beauden Barrett took a break to play for Suntory Sungoliath in the Top League. It caused him to miss the Blues’ Super Rugby season.

However, this move ensured that he earned a considerable sum each year. He had to climb several levels to reach the top ten. He is tied in the seventh-place Virimi Vakatawa with £780,000 or $1.06 million.

7. Virimi Vakatawa $1.06 (France / Racing 92)

Virimi Vakatawa is the highest-paid rugby player in France. Photo: Youtube

Despite missing out on Wales Online’s pick, he made the top ten this year. The French international, who stands 6 feet 2 inches tall, was born in New Zealand.

He grew up in Fiji but now plays for the French national team. He also plays club football for Racing 92 in France.

Surprisingly, his £780k or $1.06m salary makes him the highest-paid rugby player in France. He is ranked seventh overall.

6. Maro Itoje- $1.12 (England / Saracens)

Maro Itoje. Photo: Skysports.

The English international is currently ranked sixth, just outside the top five. He is also currently the highest-paid rugby player among English players. Even without bonuses, his annual salary is at least $1.08 million.

For Gallagher Premiership club Saracens, the 27-year-old plays as a lock or blindside flanker. Many experts regard him as the best current in his position.

He could have made a few more dollars if Racing 92 had met his demand. Nevertheless, the French were unwilling to increase that much, so they sought his signature.

4. Cheslin Kolbe-1.15m (South Africa /Toulon)

Cheslin Kolbe. Photo: Skysports

Another South African in the top five! He is also the second player from Toulon on this list.

During the offseason, he moved from European and French champions Toulouse to become the joint fourth-highest earner in rugby, alongside Finn Russel.

The 28-year-old Kraaifontein native currently earns £850k ($1.15m) per year before bonuses and endorsements. With those added, earnings could exceed $1.7 million per year

 Kolbe was a standout at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, helping his country victory. 

4. Finn Russell- $1.15m (Scotland /Racing 92)

Finn Russel is the highest-paid Rugby British in the world. Photo: The Scotsman

 Russel is the highest-paid Rugby British in the world. The Scot is a true superstar of the game and a vital member of his Racing 92 team.

His $1.15 million wage fee places him fourth overall on this list. The 29-year-old handsome man usually plays fly-half or centre.

However, many reports suggested that he was leaving the French capital. However, a significant pay increase in 2020 compelled him to remain in the city of the Eiffel Tower.

3. Eben Etzebeth- $1.22 m (South Africa / Toulon)

Eben Etzebeth is the third highest paid Rugby player. Photo: SA people

The South African international is currently ranked third. He is paid just under a million pounds in British currency (£900,000).

However, if calculated in US dollars ($1.22m), his salary comfortably exceeds a million. The 30-year-old is currently playing for Toulon in the French Top 14 league.

He was a member of Africa’s World Cup-winning squad in 2019. The player who started as a number four lock is also the highest-paid forward in professional rugby.

1.Charles Piutau- $1.36m (New Zealand / Bristol Bears)

Charles Piutau is also the highest paid rugby player. Photo: Skysports

There is no single top highest paid Rugby player because two players share the first position. In addition to Pollard, New Zealander Charles Piutau holds this position.

The 30-year-old is no longer a national team member but continues to play in the English Premiership for Bristol Bears.

For more than a decade, the fullback has been regarded as one of the best in Europe. He previously played for Wasps and Ulster before joining this English side. His current salary is around £1m ($1.36m).

Despite this, Piutau is the first million-pound player in Rugby history. The fullback will occasionally play on the wing.

1.Handre Pollard- $1.36 m (South Africa / Montpellier)

Handré Pollard ie the highest paid rugby player. Photo: Sports club

Handré Pollard is a professional rugby union player from South Africa. He is currently a member of the South African national team—meanwhile, the 27-year-old plays for Montpellier in the French Top 14 league.

Following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, he made a memorable movie from the Bulls to Montpellier. With a yearly salary of 1 million GBP, he is currently the top paid Rugby player.

His annual income is about $1.36 million. The 6 feet 2-inch tall man from Somerset West is a world-class performer.

As a result, the fly-half cum inside-centre is worth every penny of his salary. Remember that he scored 22 points in the 2019 World Cup final.