Here are 20 of rugby’s reported highest earners heading into 2021.
5. Maro Itoje (Saracens) - £800k
Signed a new deal last year that was reportedly between £750,000 and £1 million. He’s one of the
front runners to captain the Lions
later this year and is widely regarded as the best lock in the world, with the salary to match.
4. Eben Etzebeth (Saracens) - £800k
The 28-year-old Springbok extended his stay at the French club in July
by signing a new three-year deal with the club that will see him remain at the club until June 2023.
3. Finn Russell (Racing 92) - £850k
A h
uge pay-rise from the Parisians in 2020 convinced the fly-half to stay with Russell now reportedly earning £850,000 per season for the next three years, which makes him the highest-paid British rugby player.
2. Handre Pollard (Montpellier) - £1m
The former New Zealand wing or full-back become British rugby’s first million-pound player when he signed for Bristol Bears. The former All Black speedster, who deserted his international ambitions at the premature age of 23, has consistently been one of the best players in Europe since 2015.
1. Charles Piutau (Bristol Bears) - £1m
The former New Zealand wing or full-back become British rugby’s first million-pound player when he signed for Bristol Bears. The former All Black speedster, who deserted his international ambitions at the premature age of 23, has consistently been one of the best players in Europe since 2015.