Most players in the Rugby Union do not begin their careers aiming to be the highest paid player in the game. The major driving force that motivates most players is team success, while individual glory normally comes second.
Big clubs are willing to fork out the wages to the best players in order to improve their squads and bring trophies home. We see bookies swaying their odds in favour of the teams that always make the biggest signings. Or if a top player renews their contract. You can take a look at the latest odds for rugby teams and choose from one of these rugby betting sites at https://ratedbettingsites.co.uk for the Rugby Union matches.
Below is the list of the highest paid people in rugby:
1. Nigel Owens (Referee) £620k
This man combines his farming venture, TV appearances and the test of refereeing both local and club matches. The Welshman was reported to be the highest paid referee in the world and in rugby in 2020, before he retired from the job.
2. Steve Luatua (Bristol Bears) £650k
When he decided to sign for Bristol in 2017, the All Blacks hierarchy never loved that. But he has signed for another two years after the first contract.
3. Owen Farrell (Saracens) £750k
It was a while ago that the England captain signed his deal. That deal will run till 2022, and if rugby has not made tighter rules, then, he can enjoy another increase whenever he decides to renew.
4. Eddie Jones (England) £750k
This is the highest paid international rugby coach, though he earns much less than the £20 million that Pep Guardiola of Manchester City and the £3m that Gareth Southgate of England goes home with.
5. Pat Lam (Bristol Bears) £800k
The former Samoa, Northampton and Newcastle back row will be with Ashton Gate till 2023, after putting pen to paper for a bumper contract extension last 2 years. This made the 50 year old the highest paid club rugby boss in the world.
6. Maro Itoje (Saracens) £825k
Last year, he signed a new deal that is worth between £750,000 and £1 million. In the list of the possible captains of The Lions next year, he comes first, and he is regarded as the best lock in the universe and is therefore worth the salary.
7. Finn Russell (Racing 92) £850k
The fly half was convinced with a very huge salary by the Parisians to remain with Russell, and he is now earning £850,000 every season for the next three seasons, making him the highest earning British rugby player.
8. Eben Etzebeth (Toulon) £900k
The 28-year-old Springbok signed an extension with the French club in July, in a three-year deal that will keep him in the club till 2023.
9. Charles Piutau (Bristol Bears) £1m
The fullback or wing from New Zealand became the first million-pound player in British rugby when he joined the Bristol Bears. The former speedster of the All Blacks who discarded his international dreams at the young age of 23 has been among the best players in Europe since 2015.
10. Handre Pollard (Montpellier) £1m
The Springboks play maker who has a world cup trophy became the joint highest paid rugby player in the universe alongside Piutau after agreeing to join the top 14 Montpellier from The Bulls in the Super Rugby last year.
