Gloucester target Virimi Vakatawa becomes highest-paid centre in the world - Ruck

Gloucester target Virimi Vakatawa becomes highest-paid centre in the world

Gloucester were reportedly leading the race to sign France international powerhouse Virimi Vakatawa, but have been left gutted by his decision to instead sign a new deal with Racing 92.

The 28-year-old was set to be out of contract next summer, and had reportedly tasked his agent with securing him a move to England.

However, money talked as the Fijian-born star has now signed a new deal worth over £780,000 per season, according to reports in France.

Vakatawa, who has 27 caps for France, was the top scorer in the Top 14 in 2019/20.

He joins Dorian Laborde, Gia Kharaishvili, Dominic Bird, Boris Palu, Olivier Klemenczak and Finn Russell, who have also signed contract extensions in recent weeks.


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REVEALED | Best Paid XV, Replacements & Head Coach in World Rugby

The highest earning rugby players XV, replacements and head coach from all over the world is as follows...

BACK-THREE

Fullback: Beauden Barrett (Suntory Goliath) – £780,000

In July,  he agreed a multi-million dollar move to Suntory Sungoliath as the exodus of players to Japan continues.

Wing: Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs) – £550,000

The Scotland fullback was the highest paid player at Glasgow Warriors (£350,000) but added another healthy chunk to his pay-packet by joining the Premiership side after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Winger: Charles Piutau (Bristol Bears) – £1m

The former All Black full-back or wing, who surprised many by leaving New Zealand before reaching the peak of his powers, becoming British rugby’s first million pound man when he moved to Ashton Gate in 2018.


CENTRES

Outside-centre: Virimi Vakatawa – £780,000

Virimi Vakatawa of France runs with ball watched by Joe Marler of England during the RBS 6 Nations match, between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, London , UK, on the 4th February 2017.

Inside-centre: Owen Farrell (Saracens) – £750,000

He a points-machine with England and Saracens, and the outside-half or inside-centre is one of England’s best paid players.

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