The financial landscape of professional rugby continues to evolve, especially with many Springbok stars choosing lucrative contracts overseas, including Japan’s booming rugby market.
A detailed report from DashTickets.nz has unveiled the 30 highest-paid rugby players worldwide for the 2024/25 season, shedding light on player salaries, yearly trends, and strategic moves shaping the sport’s global economics.
At the summit stands England’s Owen Farrell, playing for Racing 92 in France, pocketing a staggering £1.2 million (about R29 million), making him the richest player in rugby this season.
The list also highlights three Springboks firmly placed in the top 10 earners: Cheslin Kolbe with Tokyo Sungoliath (£930k), Faf de Klerk at Canon Eagles (£900k), and Sharks captain Siya Kolisi (£808k), proving South Africa’s continued influence on the international rugby stage.
This ranking not only reflects individual success but also marks Japan and European clubs as dominant financial hubs attracting world-class talent.
Here’s the top 10 highest-paid rugby stars for 2024/25:
- Owen Farrell – £1.2m
- Richie Mo’unga – £1.04m
- Finn Russell – £1m
- Cheslin Kolbe – £930k
- Faf de Klerk – £900k
- Siya Kolisi – £808k
- Dan Biggar – £800k
- Maro Itoje – £800k
- Beauden Barrett – £780k
- Antoine Dupont – £700k
For the full breakdown and analysis, check out the comprehensive report from DashTickets.nz.
