Antoine Dupont is now the highest-paid rugby player in the world

Sunday, 16 August 2026 at 19:57

bySteven Smith

Antoine Dupont is reportedly the highest-paid rugby player in the world following his latest bumper contract with Toulouse.

The France superstar has long been regarded as one of the biggest names in the sport, but his latest deal has now reportedly taken his earnings to another level.

⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!

Dupont is believed to be earning around £1.2million per year, putting him ahead of fellow rugby superstars Finn Russell and Romain Ntamack. Recent reports have also described the Toulouse scrum-half as potentially the world's highest-paid player.

Player salaries are notoriously difficult to verify, with clubs rarely publishing exact figures and some packages including international payments, bonuses and commercial arrangements.

Nevertheless, based on reported salaries, here are 10 of the highest-paid players in world rugby right now.

10. Handre Pollard (Bulls) – £650,000

The double World Cup winner secured another major contract when he returned to South Africa with the Bulls.

Pollard had been earning around £650,000 at Leicester Tigers, with reports surrounding his Bulls move suggesting his new package would remain among the biggest in South African rugby.

The 32-year-old remains one of the most valuable fly-halves in the game.

9. Jesse Kriel (Yokohama Canon Eagles) – £700,000

Japan continues to offer some of the biggest contracts in rugby, and Springbok centre Jesse Kriel is believed to be among the beneficiaries.

The two-time World Cup winner has played his club rugby in Japan since 2020 and has established himself as a hugely influential figure at Yokohama Canon Eagles.

His reported salary sits at around £700,000 per season.

8. Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – £750,000

A two-time World Rugby Player of the Year and double World Cup winner, Pieter-Steph du Toit has the CV to justify his enormous salary.

The Springbok flanker joined Toyota Verblitz in 2021 and is reportedly earning around £750,000 per year.

That puts him among the highest-paid forwards in rugby.

7. Eben Etzebeth (Sharks) – £775,000

One of the biggest names in South African sport, Eben Etzebeth reportedly commands an enormous overall package.

Recent estimates have put the Springbok lock's earnings at around the £770,000 mark, making him one of the highest-paid domestically based players in South Africa.

6. Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – £800,000

Malcolm Marx is another Springbok superstar earning serious money in Japan.

The powerhouse hooker has been with Kubota Spears since 2021 and is reportedly earning around £800,000 per season.

Marx has since extended his stay in Japan as he continues to combine his club career with international duty.

5. Maro Itoje (Saracens) – £800,000

England and British & Irish Lions skipper Maro Itoje remains one of the best-paid players in the PREM.

The Saracens lock's overall package is believed to sit around £800,000, combining his club earnings with his enhanced England contract.

Itoje has consistently featured among rugby's highest earners, having previously been reported at around the same £800,000 mark.

4. Damian de Allende (Saitama Wild Knights) – £800,000

The double World Cup winner has spent much of the latter stages of his career playing abroad.

De Allende currently represents Saitama Wild Knights in Japan and is reportedly earning around £800,000 per year.

The veteran centre remains an important part of the Springbok set-up.

3. Romain Ntamack (Toulouse) – £1million

Into the seven-figure earners.

France fly-half Romain Ntamack is reportedly earning around £1million per season at Toulouse.

Still in his prime, Ntamack has won virtually everything available at club level while forming an incredible half-back partnership with Dupont.

2. Finn Russell (Bath) – £1million

Scotland superstar Finn Russell remains one of the biggest earners in English rugby.

Russell joined Bath from Racing 92 in 2023 on a deal widely reported to be worth around £1million per season.

The British & Irish Lions fly-half has since extended his stay at the Rec through to 2028.

1. Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) – £1.2million

The new number one.

Dupont is reportedly earning approximately £1.2million per season following his latest contract with Toulouse.

The France superstar's long-term future is secured at the club, and his earning power extends well beyond his basic rugby salary thanks to his enormous commercial profile.

Already a World Rugby Player of the Year, Olympic gold medallist, multiple Champions Cup winner and serial Top 14 champion, Dupont has built a trophy cabinet few players can match.

And now the Toulouse scrum-half can reportedly add another title:

The highest-paid rugby player in the world.

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!