England’s top clubs have been warned that the soaring inflation in players’ salaries is no longer sustainable, with the Rugby Football Union predicting a significant downturn in funding to the Premiership because of the tough economic climate.
Here's how England's Gallagher Premiership compares to other major countries around the world.
Rugby salary caps:
6. Super Rugby salary cap = £3.2 million
The overall Super Rugby salary cap has been adjusted to a total of Aus$5.5million (US$4.3 million), with the average player receiving Aus £125,000 in 2018. Reports said this was a rise of about 10 percent.
5. Pro14 (Scotland) = £4.2 million (estimated)
Although there is no official salary cap in Scotland, Glasgow Warriors are estimated to spend £4.2 million on players while Edinburgh spends £3.8 million.
4. Pro14 (Wales) = £5 million (estimated)
Wales’ four regions agreed to increase their wage cap from £3.5m to £4.5m per team in 2015. They are now believed to be spending closer to £5 million, varying slightly on each region.
3. Gallagher Premiership salary cap - £5 million
Premiership clubs have unanimously agreed to slash temporarily the salary cap to £5 million for the 2021-22 season in a bid to avert financial oblivion.
2. Pro 14 (Ireland) - £6.6 million (estimated)
The four Irish provinces player cost amount to roughly £6.3 million, which isn't far off the Premiership’s cap.
1. French Top 14 salary cap = £10 million
The LNR have set the cap at €11.3 million euro per season, or roughly 10 million pounds sterling. Spread over a squad of 35, that works out at an average of €322,000 per player.
