byRugby Rucker

Rugby may not boast the eye-watering salaries of football, but if you’re a top-tier player, you’re still bagging a pretty penny. And when it comes to the highest-paid stars, some rugby players are making waves on the salary front.

Step forward Owen Farrell. The England fly-half/centre became the best-paid player in the world when he left Saracens to join Top 14 powerhouse Racing 92.

Farrell’s salary? A hefty £800,000 per season with the French giants, overtaking Scotland’s Finn Russell. Ironically, it was Russell who had been at the top before switching to Bath, making him the highest-paid player in world rugby last season. Now Farrell’s the man to fill his boots.

But Farrell’s record might not last long, as former Racing 92 player Siya Kolisi has made a serious move of his own.

The World Cup-winning captain has signed with the Hollywoodbets Sharks in the United Rugby Championship, and his new deal has catapulted him to the top of the pay scale. The South African skipper has jumped from fifth to first, earning an impressive £808,000 per season, pushing Farrell down to second.

Other names on the list include Cheslin Kolbe, Faf de Klerk, and Maro Itoje, all of whom are raking in some serious cash for their talents. With rugby’s financial landscape shifting, it seems like there’s never been a better time to be a top-tier player.

Data from: Front Office Sports

The World’s Highest Paid Rugby Players

1. Siya Kolisi (Sharks) – £808k

Siya Kolisi is South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning captain. Known for his powerful leadership and dynamic playing style, he’s a key figure for the Sharks and a global ambassador for rugby.

2. Owen Farrell (Racing 92) – £797k

England's vice-captain, Farrell is known for his precise kicking and tough defensive skills. After years of success at Saracens, he now brings his experience to Racing 92 in France's Top 14.

3. Finn Russell (Bath) – £795k

A magician with the ball, Finn Russell is Scotland's star fly-half. Renowned for his flair and creativity, he joined Bath after a successful stint with Racing 92, making a major impact in the Premiership.

4. Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – £740k

Known for his electrifying pace and agility, Kolbe is a World Cup winner with South Africa. His ability to break through defenses makes him one of rugby's most exciting wingers, now playing for Suntory Sungoliath in Japan.

5. Faf de Klerk (Yokohama Canon Eagles) – £716k

Faf de Klerk, a key member of South Africa's World Cup-winning team, is famous for his sharp tactical kicking and energetic play as a scrum-half. He now plays for Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan’s Top League.

6. Dan Biggar (Toulon) – £636k

Dan Biggar is a veteran fly-half for Wales and the British & Irish Lions, renowned for his accurate goal-kicking and strategic vision. He now plays for Toulon in the French Top 14, bringing leadership and experience.

7. Maro Itoje (Saracens) – £636k

A towering presence in the lock, Maro Itoje is a key figure for both England and Saracens. Known for his physicality, line-out dominance, and leadership, Itoje is one of rugby’s top second-row forwards.

8. Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) – £557k

Widely regarded as the best scrum-half in the world, Dupont led France to the 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam. Known for his speed, vision, and flair, he plays for Toulouse in France’s Top 14.

9. Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights) – £506k

Kalyn Ponga is an Australian rugby league fullback, known for his dynamic ball-handling and attacking play. He has been a standout performer for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL, earning recognition as one of the best in his position.

10. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers) – £502k

A star halfback for the Penrith Panthers, Nathan Cleary is one of rugby league's top playmakers. Known for his kicking game, vision, and leadership, Cleary has been integral to Penrith’s dominance in the NRL.

– and his picks are bound to raise a few eyebrows.

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Dan Biggar names bold Lions XV – with big England omissions

Wales legend Dan Biggar has officially called time on his playing career, but not before dropping a blockbuster British & Irish Lions XV on The Rugby Pod

The 112-cap fly-half, who steered Wales through some of their finest Six Nations and World Cup moments, appeared on Jim Hamilton’s podcast this week and revealed his Lions dream team. Spoiler alert: there's no room for the likes of Owen Farrell, Johnny Sexton, or even himself.

Here’s how Biggar’s team shaped up…

Front-row firepower: Porter, Sheehan & Furlong

1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong

It’s an all-Irish affair in the front row, with Biggar backing Leinster's dominant trio to boss the scrum. Furlong remains the Rolls-Royce of tightheads, while Sheehan and Porter provide dynamism in the loose.

Big boys in the boiler room: Itoje & Beirne

4. Maro Itoje
5. Tadhg Beirne

England’s Maro Itoje gets the nod despite some inconsistent recent form, with Biggar clearly still valuing his disruptive brilliance. He’s paired with the ever-reliable Beirne – a turnover machine and Lions Test starter in 2021.

Breakdown beasts: Curry, Van Der Flier & Doris (c)

6. Tom Curry
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris (captain)

This back row is pure chaos – in the best possible way. England’s Tom Curry returns to the fray, Ireland’s Van der Flier adds World Player of the Year pedigree, and Doris, who’s fast becoming a modern-day great, takes the armband. A fearless choice.

Livewire half-backs: Gibson-Park & Russell

9. Jamison Gibson-Park
10. Finn Russell

Gone are the days of conservative Lions 9-10 combos. Biggar’s gone full jazz here. Gibson-Park brings the zip, and Russell… well, Russell brings the flair. The Scotland maestro’s creativity earns him the No.10 jersey over Biggar himself – no ego here.

Fire on the flanks: Lowe & Kinghorn

11. James Lowe
14. Blair Kinghorn

Two versatile Scots fill the wing slots, with Kinghorn’s blend of size and speed complementing Lowe’s relentless work rate and booming left boot. Biggar clearly values adaptability out wide – and a bit of flair never hurts.

Caledonian connection in midfield: Tuipulotu & Jones

12. Sione Tuipulotu
13. Huw Jones

The Glasgow Warriors pairing have formed one of the deadliest centre combos in rugby, and Biggar’s kept them together. It’s a bold call, but one based on form and synergy rather than reputation alone.

Rock-solid fullback: Hugo Keenan

15. Hugo Keenan

No surprise here – Keenan has been Ireland’s Mr Consistent, and Biggar trusts him to be the safety net at the back. His positioning, aerial ability and counter-attacks make him a nailed-on pick.

The bench: a mix of muscle and mischief

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Zander Fagerson, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Jac Morgan, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith

It’s a stacked bench with serious impact. Genge and Fagerson bring brute force, while Earl and Morgan cover the back row with pace and punch. Marcus Smith adds some stardust, and Mitchell offers serious tempo at scrum-half.