The quest to become the highest-paid rugby player in the world game is not a goal that most stars begin their career aiming for.
Team success is the driving force behind the motivations of most players, with individual glory coming second.
The list’s combined haul is up 11% from the 2020-21 season.
Highest paid people in rugby:
#10. MICHAEL HOOPER £750k (Toyota Verblitz)
Michael Hooper – £750,000
The Wallabies skipper penned a new contract with Rugby Australia in 2018, which netted him £3.2million over five years. However, last season he took a sabbatical in Japan and is reported to have been earning £750,000 with Toyota Verblitz.
#9. OWEN FARRELL £750k (Saracens)
The England captain signed his deal a while ago. It’s set to run until 2022 when he can expect to earn an increase again wherever he decides to play, assuming rugby hasn’t completely decided to tighten its belt by then.
#8. Beauden Barrett – £780,000
In 2019, Barrett signed a four-year deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union, which the New Zealand Herald claims netted him £540,000 per year.
However, on his year out in Japan with Suntory Sungoliath last year, the Daily Mail reports Barrett earned £780,000.
