Top 30 Highest Paid Rugby Players in the World (2024/25)
Rugby continues to expand its global footprint, and franchises and clubs are paying blockbuster salaries to poach the best. England’s fly-halves are making all the headlines, and New Zealand and South African players are finding their way to France, Japan, and Australia’s NRL. The result? A reshaped pecking order of the sport’s best-paid earners, union and league. In recent years, we’ve seen players crossing the mythical million-pound barrier, a life-changing sum that rivals the jackpots found at the best online casinos in NZ. More players are about to join them as salary caps rise and deep-pocketed investors inject cash into successful clubs.
Here are the 30 highest-paid rugby players of the 2024/25 season, and how they rank compared to last year. Some players have increased their wages by moving from one league to another, and some have taken pay cuts unexpectedly due to salary caps or long-term planning. Based on the numbers included in this report, you can track who’s made the most gains, who’s falling off the rankings, and what’s on the horizon in the 2025/26 season.
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<a href="https://dashtickets.nz/highest-paid-rugby-players-in-the-world/" alt="Highest Paid Rugby Players in the World" target="_blank"><img src="https://dashtickets.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/highest-paid-rugby-players-in-the-world-2025.jpg" width="750" height="11158"/></a><br/><span style="font-size: 12px;">(via <a href="https://dashtickets.nz/">dashtickets.nz</a>)</span>2024/25 Rugby Salary Summary
Here is our entire table of the 30 highest-paid rugby players around the world this season, including current club, estimated salary, and notable changes to their contracts.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team/Club | 2024/25 Salary (Approx) | Previous Salary (Approx) | Contract Status | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Owen Farrell | Fly-half | Racing 92 | £1.2m | £800k (Saracens) | 2-year deal (thru 2026) | 33 |
| 2 | Richie Mo’unga | Fly-half | Toshiba Brave Lupus | £1.04m | ~£300k (NZ Rugby) | 3-year (thru 2026) | 29 |
| 3 | Finn Russell | Fly-half | Bath | £1.0m | £700k (Racing 92) | 3-year (thru 2027) | 30 |
| 4 | Cheslin Kolbe | Wing | Suntory Sungoliath | £930k | ~£700k (Toulon) | Thru 2025 | 30 |
| 5 | Faf de Klerk | Scrum-half | Yokohama Canon Eagles | £900k | <£400k (Sale Sharks) | Thru 2025 | 32 |
| 6 | Siya Kolisi | Flanker | Sharks | £808k | ~£850k (Racing 92) | Thru 2026 | 33 |
| 7 | Dan Biggar | Fly-half | RC Toulon | £800k | £600k (Northampton) | To 2024/25 w/ option | 35 |
| 7 | Maro Itoje | Lock | Saracens | £800k | ~£700k | Thru 2025 | 29 |
| 9 | Beauden Barrett | Fly-half | Toyota Verblitz | £780k | ~£600k (NZ Rugby) | 1-year sabbatical contract | 32 |
| 10 | Kalyn Ponga | Fullback (NRL) | Newcastle Knights (NRL) | £712k | ~£560k | Thru 2027 | 25 |
| 11 | Antoine Dupont | Scrum-half | Toulouse | £700k | ~£650k | Thru 2027 | 28 |
| 12 | Nathan Cleary | Halfback (NRL) | Penrith Panthers (NRL) | £662k | ~£580k | Thru 2027 | 27 |
| 13 | Cameron Munster | Five-eighth | Melbourne Storm (NRL) | £632k | ~£500k | Thru 2027 | 29 |
| 14 | Steven Luatua | Flanker | Bristol Bears | £620k | ~£500k | Thru 2024 | 32 |
| 15 | Daly Cherry-Evans | Halfback (NRL) | Manly Sea Eagles (NRL) | £611k | ~£580k | Thru 2025 | 36 |
| 16 | Handré Pollard | Fly-half | Leicester Tigers | £610k | ~£900k (Montpellier) | Thru 2025 | 29 |
| 17 | Tom Trbojevic | Fullback (NRL) | Manly Sea Eagles (NRL) | £585k | ~£400k | Thru 2026 | 26 |
| 18 | Luke Brooks | Halfback (NRL) | Wests Tigers (NRL) | £585k | ~£540k | Final year, then to Manly (2025) | 28 |
| 19 | Ben Hunt | Halfback (NRL) | St. George Illawarra Dragons | £560k | ~£525k | Thru 2025 | 34 |
| 20 | James Tedesco | Fullback (NRL) | Sydney Roosters (NRL) | £560k | ~£520k | Thru 2025 | 32 |
| 21 | Addin Fonua-Blake | Prop (NRL) | NZ Warriors (NRL) | £560k | ~£450k (Manly) | Thru 2026 | 27 |
| 22 | Tadhg Furlong | Prop | Leinster & Ireland | £550k | ~£480k | IRFU contract (thru 2025) | 30 |
| 23 | Mitchell Moses | Halfback (NRL) | Parramatta Eels (NRL) | £535k | ~£490k | Thru 2028 | 29 |
| 24 | Cameron Murray | Lock (NRL) | South Sydney Rabbitohs (NRL) | £510k | ~£400k | Thru 2025 | 25 |
| 25 | Latrell Mitchell | Fullback (NRL) | South Sydney Rabbitohs (NRL) | £510k | ~£450k | Thru 2027 | 27 |
| 26 | Sam Walker | Halfback (NRL) | Sydney Roosters (NRL) | £510k | ~£300k | Thru 2025 | 21 |
| 27 | Jake Trbojevic | Lock (NRL) | Manly Sea Eagles (NRL) | £510k | ~£450k | Thru 2026 | 29 |
| 28 | Nicho Hynes | Five-eighth | Cronulla Sharks (NRL) | £488k | ~£250k | Thru 2027 | 27 |
| 29 | Tohu Harris | Lock (NRL) | NZ Warriors (NRL) | £470k | ~£400k | Thru 2024 | 31 |
| 30 | Valentine Holmes | Centre (NRL) | NQ Cowboys (NRL) | £430k | ~£300k | Thru 2025 | 28 |
(All figures are approximate, converted from various currencies. Sources include official club statements, league salary cap info, and reputable media outlets.)
Insights, Trends, and Surprising Twists
As in other sports, the top tier of rugby salaries continues to accelerate. Owen Farrell’s massive contract at Racing 92 puts him in rare air, while Richie Mo’unga and Finn Russell both broke the seven-figure threshold. New deals in Japan’s League One underscore that country’s rise to become a major player for marquee signings, especially for Southern Hemisphere stars like Cheslin Kolbe and Faf de Klerk.
One surprise in the rankings is the presence of so many NRL names. Australian league clubs enjoyed a cap increase, pushing big earners like Kalyn Ponga and Nathan Cleary into direct competition with their rugby union counterparts. This trend also resulted in new entrants, including Sam Walker, who at age 21 is among the youngest to break past the million-Aussie-dollar mark.
Team changes were a key factor in pay adjustments. Finn Russell moved from Racing 92 to Bath with a salary bump of around 40%, while Handré Pollard accepted a substantial pay cut to join Leicester Tigers, illustrating that motivations for switching clubs can vary. Luke Brooks, after a lucrative final year at Wests Tigers, is set to join Manly for a smaller sum – an example of how career timing and the desire for a fresh start can shape a player’s trajectory.
The data also highlights a handful of players with short-term sabbatical contracts, such as Beauden Barrett in Japan. These deals can yield short bursts of high earnings, but also create puzzle pieces for unions to juggle. In union, the fly-half role remains the highest paid overall: roughly one-third of the top 15 are fly-halves, commanding marquee wages due to their playmaking importance. Conversely, in league, fullbacks and halfbacks dominate big-money deals.
Most of these new agreements include special clauses, from image rights deals in France to performance-based bonuses in the NRL. This means the headline salary figures can sometimes grow even larger when everything from sponsor incentives to leadership stipends is added up. For fans fascinated by these high-stakes deals and massive payouts, the strategic world of $1 deposit online casinos offers a different kind of thrill.
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- The biggest leap upward belongs to Finn Russell, up around 43% from his time at Racing 92. Nicho Hynes nearly doubled his salary in league terms.
- The oldest player in the top 30 is Daly Cherry-Evans at age 36, still on an NRL “lifetime” deal with Manly.
- Sam Walker is the youngest among these highest earners (21) after signing a huge extension with the Roosters.
- Fly-halves in union and halfbacks/fullbacks in league garner the lion’s share of big contracts. Forwards such as Siya Kolisi and Addin Fonua-Blake are notable exceptions.
- Japan’s League One now has five of the top ten union salaries, a swift shift from just a few years ago when France dominated.
Additional Observations
Certain clubs stand out for their aggressive spending. French giants Racing 92 and Toulon have consistently attracted marquee names, although Bath’s capture of Finn Russell reveals that English clubs can still splash out when the opportunity arises (often via marquee exemptions to the Premiership salary cap). Japan’s Suntory Sungoliath and Canon Eagles continue to woo major Springbok names, taking advantage of foreign-player slots and corporate sponsorship deals.
In Australia, NRL sides like the Newcastle Knights, Penrith Panthers, and Sydney Roosters have led the way in awarding premium contracts to younger stars, securing their talents for the long haul. This business strategy helps avoid losing top-tier athletes to union or overseas leagues. Interestingly, New Zealand’s central contracting system – designed to retain All Blacks – has faced challenges, as players such as Mo’unga sought more lucrative deals abroad.
Overall, the influx of private money in rugby union, along with rising caps in the NRL, suggests the competition for top players will only intensify. This high-stakes environment where fortunes are made mirrors the strategic play and excitement found in the world of mobile casinos. While these salaries remain modest compared to global football or the NBA, the growth rate in rugby is striking, especially for marquee roles. Fans and analysts alike will be watching 2025/26 closely, with rumors of star names set to fetch even higher paychecks and challenge the established hierarchy at the top of the earnings chart.
The Ranking of the Highest Paid Rugby Players
Below is the numbered list of the top 30 highest-paid rugby professionals for the 2024/25 season, based on available figures and reputable estimates.
1. Owen Farrell
Club: Racing 92
Current Salary: £1.2m
Previous Salary: ~£800k (Saracens)
Percentage Increase: ~50%
Previous Team: Saracens (England)
England’s talismanic fly-half has soared to the top of the pay scale with this lucrative move to France. Although sources vary on exact figures, most agree his contract puts him at or near the summit of rugby union salaries.
2. Richie Mo’unga
Club: Toshiba Brave Lupus
Current Salary: ~£1.04m
Previous Salary: ~£300k (NZ Rugby)
Percentage Increase: ~250%
Previous Team: Crusaders (New Zealand)
The All Blacks fly-half swapped a central NZ Rugby contract for Japan’s League One, locking in one of the largest jumps in pay for any Southern Hemisphere star.
3. Finn Russell
Club: Bath
Current Salary: £1.0m
Previous Salary: ~£700k (Racing 92)
Percentage Increase: ~43%
Previous Team: Racing 92 (France)
Scotland’s creative playmaker negotiated a marquee deal at Bath, joining the exclusive million-pound club and underscoring the value that attacking fly-halves command in today’s market.
4. Cheslin Kolbe
Club: Suntory Sungoliath
Current Salary: £930k
Previous Salary: ~£700k (RC Toulon)
Percentage Increase: ~33%
Previous Team: RC Toulon (France)
South Africa’s electrifying winger has capitalized on Japan’s big spending post–RWC 2023. His speed and ability to produce magic on the pitch place him among the highest-earning Boks worldwide.
5. Faf de Klerk
Club: Yokohama Canon Eagles
Current Salary: £900k
Previous Salary: <£400k (Sale Sharks)
Percentage Increase: Over 100%
Previous Team: Sale Sharks (England)
Another Springbok sensation, de Klerk cemented his status as the highest-paid scrum-half after moving to Japan. His defensive tenacity and box-kick mastery command a premium in League One.
6. Siya Kolisi
Club: Sharks
Current Salary: £808k
Previous Salary: ~£850k (Racing 92)
Percentage Increase: N/A (Slight decrease)
Previous Team: Racing 92 (France)
South Africa’s World Cup-winning captain reportedly took a modest pay cut to return home. Despite that, he remains one of the top-paid flankers, a testament to his leadership and global star power.
7. Dan Biggar
Club: RC Toulon
Current Salary: £800k
Previous Salary: ~£600k (Northampton Saints)
Percentage Increase: ~33%
Previous Team: Northampton Saints (England)
Wales’ experienced fly-half found a salary boost at Toulon. Renowned for his game management and kicking precision, Biggar stands out as the highest-paid Welsh player in world rugby.
7. Maro Itoje
Club: Saracens
Current Salary: £800k
Previous Salary: ~£700k
Percentage Increase: ~14%
Previous Team: Saracens (England)
England’s star lock remains at Saracens but secured a lucrative extension that keeps him near the top among forward earners. His athleticism and lineout dominance are key reasons for the premium.
9. Beauden Barrett
Club: Toyota Verblitz
Current Salary: ~£780k
Previous Salary: ~£600k (NZ Rugby)
Percentage Increase: ~30%
Previous Team: Blues (New Zealand)
A two-time World Player of the Year, Barrett took another sabbatical contract in Japan. He continues to balance All Blacks duty with short stints abroad, raising his global profile and bank balance.
10. Kalyn Ponga
Club: Newcastle Knights (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£712k (A$1.4m)
Previous Salary: ~£560k
Percentage Increase: ~27%
Previous Team: Newcastle Knights (Australia)
Regarded as one of the NRL’s most dynamic fullbacks, Ponga recently signed an upgraded deal that cemented his spot among the richest earners in rugby league.
11. Antoine Dupont
Club: Toulouse
Current Salary: ~£700k
Previous Salary: ~£650k
Percentage Increase: ~8%
Previous Team: Toulouse (France)
France’s captain and arguably the top scrum-half in world rugby. Even a small contract bump puts him solidly in the upper echelon of earners, highlighting his game-changing influence.
12. Nathan Cleary
Club: Penrith Panthers (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£662k (A$1.3m)
Previous Salary: ~£580k
Percentage Increase: ~14%
Previous Team: Penrith Panthers (Australia)
Widely seen as the NRL’s top halfback, Cleary’s long-term extension secures his place in Penrith. He’s a consistent fixture in State of Origin and a vital part of the Panthers’ success.
13. Cameron Munster
Club: Melbourne Storm (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£632k (A$1.25m)
Previous Salary: ~£500k
Percentage Increase: ~26%
Previous Team: Melbourne Storm (Australia)
A marquee five-eighth in the NRL, Munster turned down higher offers to stay in Melbourne. His dynamic play and big-match temperament make him a key part of the Storm’s core.
14. Steven Luatua
Club: Bristol Bears
Current Salary: ~£620k
Previous Salary: ~£500k
Percentage Increase: ~24%
Previous Team: Blues (NZ)
The New Zealand-born flanker has established himself as one of the Premiership’s highest-paid forwards. Renowned for his work rate and versatility, Luatua re-upped in 2020 to a hefty salary.
15. Daly Cherry-Evans
Club: Manly Sea Eagles (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£611k (A$1.2m)
Previous Salary: ~£580k
Percentage Increase: ~5%
Previous Team: Manly Sea Eagles (Australia)
Veteran halfback known for his leadership and tactical acumen. DCE’s “lifetime” deal sees him remain at Manly as one of the league’s most experienced and well-paid stars.
16. Handré Pollard
Club: Leicester Tigers
Current Salary: ~£610k
Previous Salary: ~£900k (Montpellier)
Percentage Increase: ~32.2% (Decrease)
Previous Team: Montpellier (France)
The Springbok fly-half moved to the Premiership for less money but greater long-term goals. Despite the pay cut, he remains among the league’s top-paid imports.
17. Tom Trbojevic
Club: Manly Sea Eagles (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£585k (A$1.15m)
Previous Salary: ~£400k
Percentage Increase: ~46%
Previous Team: Manly Sea Eagles (Australia)
“Tommy Turbo” is a consistent threat when healthy, and his back-ended contract pushed him above the A$1m threshold. He’s a key figure for Manly’s performance each season.
18. Luke Brooks
Club: Wests Tigers (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£585k
Previous Salary: ~£540k
Percentage Increase: ~8%
Previous Team: Wests Tigers (Australia)
A polarizing halfback who spent years at the Tigers on a hefty deal. He’s set to join Manly for 2025 on reduced terms, closing out a lucrative final year at the Tigers.
19. Ben Hunt
Club: St. George Illawarra Dragons (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£560k (A$1.1m)
Previous Salary: ~£525k
Percentage Increase: ~7%
Previous Team: Dragons (Australia)
The Dragons halfback has consistently ranked among the NRL’s highest-paid players. A seasoned leader, Hunt re-signed on a deal that keeps him near the top earner bracket.
20. James Tedesco
Club: Sydney Roosters (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£560k (A$1.1m)
Previous Salary: ~£520k
Percentage Increase: ~8%
Previous Team: Roosters (Australia)
The Roosters fullback is renowned for his attacking flair. Tedesco’s extension in 2022 solidified his status as one of the NRL’s marquee players, pushing him above £500k.
21. Addin Fonua-Blake
Club: NZ Warriors (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£560k (A$1.1m)
Previous Salary: ~£450k (Manly)
Percentage Increase: ~24%
Previous Team: Manly Sea Eagles (Australia)
One of the highest-paid forwards in the NRL, Fonua-Blake’s move to the Warriors came with a notable salary bump. His powerhouse runs and offloads make him a fan favorite, giving local supporters plenty to cheer about. For those NZ-based fans looking for other forms of exciting entertainment, many also explore the best online pokies in NZ.
22. Tadhg Furlong
Club: Leinster & Ireland
Current Salary: ~£550k
Previous Salary: ~£480k
Percentage Increase: ~15%
Previous Team: Leinster (Ireland)
Arguably the world’s premier tighthead prop, Furlong benefits from an IRFU central contract. His set-piece dominance and ball-handling skills justify his top-tier pay.
23. Mitchell Moses
Club: Parramatta Eels (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£535k (A$1.05m)
Previous Salary: ~£490k
Percentage Increase: ~9%
Previous Team: Eels (Australia)
Moses cemented his place at Parramatta with a long-term deal. His game management and reliable goal-kicking continue to elevate him among the NRL’s marquee halfbacks.
24. Cameron Murray
Club: South Sydney Rabbitohs (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£510k (A$1.0m)
Previous Salary: ~£400k
Percentage Increase: ~25%
Previous Team: Rabbitohs (Australia)
A dynamic lock and emerging leader, Murray joined the NRL’s million-dollar club at a young age. His high tackle count and quick-play-the-ball prowess are invaluable.
25. Latrell Mitchell
Club: South Sydney Rabbitohs (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£510k (A$1.0m)
Previous Salary: ~£450k
Percentage Increase: ~13%
Previous Team: Rabbitohs (Australia)
The explosive fullback/centre re-signed with Souths for a figure crossing the seven-digit Aussie threshold. Mitchell’s unique blend of power and skill drives his considerable value.
26. Sam Walker
Club: Sydney Roosters (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£510k (A$1.0m)
Previous Salary: ~£300k
Percentage Increase: ~70%
Previous Team: Roosters (Australia)
At just 21, Walker is one of the NRL’s youngest high earners. His rapid rise and potential have landed him a contract that showcases the Roosters’ commitment to youth.
27. Jake Trbojevic
Club: Manly Sea Eagles (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£510k (A$1.0m)
Previous Salary: ~£450k
Percentage Increase: ~13%
Previous Team: Manly Sea Eagles (Australia)
Along with brother Tom, Jake is a cornerstone of Manly’s forward pack. This extension solidified his status as one of the NRL’s more dependable and well-compensated locks.
28. Nicho Hynes
Club: Cronulla Sharks (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£488k (A$950k)
Previous Salary: ~£250k
Percentage Increase: ~95%
Previous Team: Melbourne Storm (Australia)
Fresh off a Dally M Medal, Hynes secured a big contract extension with the Sharks. His meteoric rise from utility back to star playmaker nearly doubled his wage.
29. Tohu Harris
Club: NZ Warriors (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£470k (A$950k)
Previous Salary: ~£400k
Percentage Increase: ~18%
Previous Team: Melbourne Storm (Australia)
The Warriors captain anchors the forward pack with defensive grit and leadership. His upgraded deal recognizes his importance to the Auckland-based NRL side.
30. Valentine Holmes
Club: North Queensland Cowboys (NRL)
Current Salary: ~£430k (A$875k)
Previous Salary: ~£300k (NFL attempt, then Sharks)
Percentage Increase: ~43% (from initial NRL return)
Previous Team: Cronulla Sharks (Australia)
Holmes returned to rugby league from an NFL stint and quickly secured top-centre status. The Cowboys rewarded him with a contract that puts him among the highest league earners.
Combined Salary and Year-over-Year Change
Total wage cost of the top 30 earners this season is approximately £20 million, averaging approximately £670k per player. That is approximately 15–20% more than last year’s wage bill. Major drivers of this growth are megadeals (such as Finn Russell’s signing to Bath and Richie Mo’unga’s contract to Japan) and a large NRL salary cap rise, which initiated numerous pay rises. Relatively few made it to the £1m barrier last year, but three now do. This growth reflects growing competition from high-paying clubs from France and Japan and the NRL’s year-by-year salary cap rise.
