In all, the top five players in the world are expected to pull in £5 million in salary, bonuses and endorsements this upcoming season.
The list’s combined haul is up 11% from the 2019-20 season. All numbers are estimated by
Check out which one of them came out on top, as well as the four other best-paid players in world rugby, below:
#5. OWEN FARRELL £1m (Saracens)
- Salary: £750,000
- Endorsements: £200,000
- Bonuses: £50,000
The England captain signed his deal a while ago. It's set to run until 2022 when he can expect to earn an increase again wherever he decides to play, assuming rugby hasn't completely decided to tighten its belt by then. Endorsements include the likes of Castore Sportswear and Land Rover.
#5. EBEN ETZEBETH £1.1m (Toulon)
- Salary: £900,000
- Endorsements: £100,000
- Bonuses: £100,000
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.
#2=. CHARLES PIUTAU £1.15m (Bristol Bears)
- Salary: £1m
- Endorsements: £100,000
- Bonuses: £50,000
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.
#2. MARO ITOJE £1.2m (Saracens)
- Salary: £750,000
- Endorsements: £400,000
- Bonuses: £50,000
Signed a new deal last year that was reportedly between £750,000 and £1 million. He's widely regarded as the best lock in the world, with the salary to match. Endorsements include the likes of Ralph Lauren and Vitality.
#1=. HANDRE POLLARD £1.35 m (Montpellier)
- Salary: £1m
- Endorsements: £300,000
- Bonuses: £50,000
The World Cup-winning Springboks playmaker Handre Pollard became the joint highest paid rugby player in the world alongside Piutau when he agreed to leave the Bulls in Super Rugby to join Montpellier in the Top 14 last year. Endorsements include Nike and Land Rover.
