Jamie Ritchie signs record deal to enter top 8 highest-paid British & Irish players

Thursday, 14 January 2021 at 13:21

byRugby Rucker

Here, we look at eight of the highest-paid British players in world rugby and where Jamie Ritchie, who today extended his deal with Edinburgh, ranks..

The former Scotland U20 captain made his debut against Leinster in 2014 and has gone on to make 73 appearances for the club and earn 23 caps (21 starts) for his country from a possible 26 Tests since his 2018 debut.

Now 24, the forward – who’s at home on either flank – ranks among the game’s most highly-regarded future on-field leaders.

8. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh) - £500,000

The Scotland back-row, who has been backed to captain his country in the future, has become the latest big name to commit his future to Edinburgh Rugby after signing a club record deal.

7. Johnny Sexton (Leinster) - £536,000

6. Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs) - £550,000

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5. Simon Zebo (Racing 92) - £600,000

The Irish Timess reported that the offer from Racing is in the region of £600,000 with accommodation and a car. Who could turn that down?

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4. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints) - £600,000

Wales’ ‘Governor’ was a catalyst for the Ospreys, being a superb club man and racking up a points record. But he decided to sample life “outside the goldfish bowl” of Wales with a big money offer enticing him to Northampton Saints.

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3. Owen Farrell (Saracens) - £750,000

Farrell will remain at the club that he has called ‘home’ since the age of 14 until at least 2022, earning himself a hefty pay-rise in the process. His new deal means he will now earn in excess of £750,000 a season, bringing him in line with some of the highest-paid players in the world.