In the high-octane world of rugby union, where physical prowess meets strategic genius, the financial rewards can be as colossal as the athletes themselves. It’s no secret that success on the field often translates to success in the bank account.
The titans of this sport, from the seasoned veterans to the rising stars, command salaries that mirror their larger-than-life presence in the game.
It’s important to note that the figures discussed here represent gross income and exclude any additional earnings from bonuses, sponsorship deals, and other extracurricular revenue streams, which can significantly augment a player’s yearly take-home.
1. Owen Farrell (Saracens) – £1.2m
In an exciting turn of events for rugby fans, Owen Farrell, currently the world’s highest-paid rugby union player, is making a significant career move. He will be leaving English rugby behind at the end of this season.
Farrell, who has made a name for himself as a remarkable fly-half for Saracens, has signed a thrilling two-season contract with Racing 92, a top rugby club based in Paris. This news first came to light through a report by RUCK and was later confirmed by The Telegraph, adding buzz to the rugby world.
Farrell’s deal with Racing 92 is said to be for three years, and he could be earning up to £1.2m per season. This move marks a new chapter for the former England captain, promising exciting times ahead for him and the Parisian club.
2. Finn Russell (Bath) – £1million
Moving down the list, but certainly not in terms of skill or impact, we find Finn Russell, the Scottish maestro whose playmaking abilities have dazzled fans worldwide. Having graced the fields for Racing 92, Russell carved a niche for himself as a player impossible to predict but always delightful to watch. His time in France saw him commanding a hefty sum of £850,000 annually, a testament to his value on the pitch.
Russell’s latest adventure has him joining the ranks of Bath, a storied club in England’s Premiership Rugby. His contract with Bath is the talk of the town, with initial figures suggesting an impressive paycheck of around £950,000 per year. However, whispers in the rugby circles hint at the possibility of this number inching towards an eye-watering £1 million annually over a three-year stint.
3. Maro Itoje (Saracens) – £850,000
Maro Itoje, a towering figure in the rugby world, finds himself among the highest earners in the sport, but not without his share of headlines regarding potential moves and contract negotiations. Two years ago, the Rugby sphere was abuzz with rumors that Itoje might leave Saracens for Racing 92.
The buzz grew louder when Jacky Lorenzetti, Racing 92’s club president, reportedly mentioned that Itoje was eyeing a salary of 1 million euros for the deal to swing his way. While the move never materialized, it highlighted Itoje’s market value and bargaining power. Presently, Itoje’s salary at Saracens is a topic of speculation and variable reports, but it’s believed that he pockets around £800,000 annually.
This places him firmly in the upper echelon of rugby’s financial hierarchy, reflecting both his immense talent on the field and his marketability off it. For fans looking to engage further with rugby’s financial dynamics, following these developments on platforms like FanDuel bets could provide an interesting angle, especially when considering the financial implications of player transfers and contracts in the sport.
4. Dan Biggar (Toulon) – £800,000
Dan Biggar stands out as the sole Welsh player to make this exclusive list of high earners in rugby union. His financial trajectory saw a significant uplift with his latest career move. Before this change, Biggar was playing for Northampton Saints, a prominent team in England’s Gallagher Premiership, where he was raking in about £600,000.
His time with the Saints followed a successful period at the Ospreys, a leading Welsh team. However, the allure of French rugby proved too enticing to resist, prompting Biggar to make a monumental leap.
He joined Toulon, one of France’s most illustrious rugby clubs, where he’s now earning a substantial £800,000. This move not only marks a noteworthy phase in Biggar’s career but also highlights the financial magnetism of French rugby clubs in attracting global talent.
The Takeaway
The world of rugby union dazzles not just with electrifying games but also with how it rewards its stars. Owen Farrell leads the pack, demonstrating the high stakes involved. From Saracens to Bath, these players not only chase the ball but also have significant financial rewards, showcasing the lucrative side of professional rugby.
