Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith is the seventh highest earner in the Gallagher Premiership - Page 2 of 2 - Ruck

Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith is the seventh highest earner in the Gallagher Premiership

4. Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – £610,000

During his tenure at Montpellier, the Springbok fly-half was known as one of the highest-earning players in the sport, purportedly receiving an annual salary exceeding one million.

However, his transfer to Leicester Tigers entailed a reduction in pay, although he is still believed to be earning a respectable sum at Welford Road.

Handre Pollard of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

3. Steven Luatua (Samoa) – £620,000

The former All Black, who represented Samoa at last year’s World Cup gave up his international career to join Bristol Bears in 2017, signing a contract worth a reported £620,000 a year.

2. Maro Itoje (Saracens) – £1,000,000

When Itoje was rumoured to be interested in joining Racing 92 two years ago, club president Jacky Lorenzetti let slip that the lock wanted 1million euros for the deal to go through. Exact figures on Itoje’s current salary at Saracens vary but it is reported that his new deal will be around £1m per season following the departure of Farrell.

1. Finn Russell (Bath) – £1million

The Scotland fly-half, known for his unpredictable nature, had previously earned an annual salary of £850,000 while playing for Racing 92.

However, his recent agreement with Premiership club Bath is believed to be even more financially rewarding.

Speculations put his new deal at approximately £950,000, though certain sources indicate that it could reach an impressive £1 million per year for the entire three-year duration of his contract at the Rec.