Rassie Erasmus is only the THIRD highest-paid rugby coach in the world

Erasmus will oversee a record 55th Test as Springboks head coach when South Africa face Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The 53-year-old has reached the landmark across two spells in charge, from 2018 to 2019 and again from 2024 onwards, moving beyond the previous record of 54 Tests held by 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning coach Jake White.

Erasmus also served as director of rugby during Jacques Nienaber’s 39-Test spell as head coach, meaning Saturday will be the 94th Springbok Test played under his overall guidance since 2018.

The numbers underline his extraordinary impact.

South Africa have won 75.93% of Erasmus’ 54 Tests as head coach – significantly higher than the Springboks’ historical win rate of 62.5% when he first took charge.

Across his entire period of influence since 2018, the Springboks have won more than 73% of their Tests.

However, despite masterminding South Africa’s modern golden era, Erasmus is reportedly only the third highest-paid coach in the international game.

Here are the five highest-paid rugby coaches in the world.

Back in charge of Japan, Jones remains one of rugby's biggest coaching names and continues to command a salary that places him among the game's highest earners. Despite mixed fortunes since returning to the Brave Blossoms, his reputation and experience ensure he remains among the elite.

Following Scott Robertson's departure, Rennie returned to the All Blacks setup and is believed to be on a package comparable to his predecessor. The former Australia coach faces enormous expectations as he looks to restore New Zealand's dominance on the world stage.

The mastermind behind South Africa's modern golden era remains one of the most influential figures in rugby. Erasmus helped guide the Springboks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs and continues to play a central role in the nation's success.

England's head coach has long been regarded as one of the highest-paid coaches in international rugby. The RFU's financial strength has enabled Borthwick to command a salary befitting one of the sport's most high-pressure jobs.

Farrell's new IRFU contract is reportedly worth around £800,000 annually. If the figures are accurate, it moves him above Borthwick and makes him the highest-paid coach in world rugby.

The deal secures Farrell's future with Ireland through to the 2031 Rugby World Cup and represents a major statement of intent from the IRFU as they look to build on the success achieved during his tenure.

Nearly three decades on, they’ve built an unshakable partnership—weathering the chaos of young parenthood, the pressures of elite sport, and a family move to Ireland.

Now Ireland head coach and set to lead the Lions in 2025, Andy credits Colleen as his steady force behind the scenes. Sister to Andy’s former teammate Sean O’Loughlin, Colleen has become the stylish, sporty matriarch of a close-knit rugby dynasty.

Though she avoids the limelight, Colleen recently broke a rowing world record for charity and is known for her wit, strength, and support. Together, they’ve raised four children—including England captain Owen.

Let’s meet the Farrell kids below 

Farrell is one of the most influential figures in modern rugby. Born on September 24, 1991, in Billinge, England, Farrell is the son of rugby league legend Andy Farrell. From an early age, rugby was in his blood, and he made his professional debut for Saracens at just 17.

A composed, hard-nosed competitor, Farrell quickly established himself as one of the best fly-halves in world rugby. Renowned for his pinpoint goal-kicking, defensive grit, and tactical intelligence, he has become synonymous with England’s modern era. Since making his international debut in 2012, Farrell has amassed over 100 caps for England and served as captain in multiple campaigns, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where England reached the final.

He is England’s all-time leading points scorer, overtaking Jonny Wilkinson, and has also been a central figure for the British & Irish Lions, featuring in three tours (2013, 2017, and 2021). At club level, Farrell has helped Saracens to multiple Premiership and European Champions Cup titles, becoming one of the club’s all-time greats.

Often polarizing due to his confrontational playing style and fiery demeanor, Farrell commands respect for his consistency, leadership, and competitive spirit. Off the field, he is known to be private, intensely focused, and dedicated to the sport.

As the son of Andy Farrell and now a senior statesman of the game, Owen Farrell’s legacy continues to grow — not just as a world-class No. 10, but as one of rugby’s defining figures of the 21st century.

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Andy Farrell’s youngest son, Gabriel, is already generating serious buzz in under-14 schools rugby. The Blackrock College standout has been impressing with sharp decision-making, leadership, and natural flair — all signs of a bright future in the sport.

Gabriel comes from elite rugby stock. His father, Andy, is Ireland’s head coach and a former rugby league great, while older brother Owen Farrell is England’s all-time leading points scorer. Talent clearly runs deep in the Farrell bloodline.

Despite his English roots, Gabriel is eligible for Ireland through residency and is currently developing in Dublin’s renowned schools rugby system. Last year, he captained Blackrock College’s first-year side to victory in a friendly against Castletroy College, whose team was led by another rising star, Paddy O’Connell.

What makes Gabriel’s rise even more intriguing is his father's endorsement. “He’s ahead of where Owen was at the same age,” Andy Farrell once said — a statement that raises expectations considerably. With that kind of pedigree and praise, the possibility of another Farrell wearing the No.10 jersey, possibly even for England in the 2030s, doesn’t seem far-fetched.

Leinster Rugby is reportedly already watching Gabriel closely, eyeing him as a future prospect. With Blackrock behind him, a family legacy of excellence, and two nations potentially vying for his allegiance, Gabriel Farrell is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young names in Irish rugby.

Scoring points at Test level is one of rugby’s toughest challenges. It takes consistency, longevity and the ability to deliver under pressure against the very best teams in the world.

From legendary fly-halves with metronomic boots to all-time greats who dominated international rugby for more than a decade, these players have piled up points on the sport’s biggest stages.

You have three minutes to name the top 10 highest points scorers in men’s international rugby union history. How many can you get?