Rugby’s Top Ten Highest Earners
Latest posts by Will Matthews (see all)
- Munster recruit interim forward’s coach following Andi Kyriacou departure - November 25, 2024
- Interesting twist in Munster coaching situation opens the door for exciting appointment - November 25, 2024
- Autumn Nations Series – All the action from Ireland vs Fiji & more - November 23, 2024
Aaron Cruden became the latest superstar to sign a bumper contract yesterday with his deal with Montpellier set to earn him a whopping €800,000 a year.
The massive pay packet however, isn’t the biggest contract in rugby, in fact it’s only the fifth biggest. Cruden’s deal will see him earn more money than the like’s of former All Black teammates Ma’a Nonu and Charles Piutau but he doesn’t come near Dan Carter at Racing.
Carter ranks second in the list, on a staggering €1.67m per season, over double what Cruden will earn in France. He’s also got a way to go to catch up with Matt Giteau at Toulon, who’s on over a million a year. Kurtley Beale edges him out also, on just over €800,000 a year.
Interestingly Japanese sensation Ayumu Goromaru is the highest paid player in the world. The fullback, who made his name at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, hasn’t exactly set the world alight in the Top 14, but brings with him a huge fan-base, which no doubt brings in huge merchandise revenue.
He is believed to be on somewhere in the region of €1.7 – €2.4m with the French heavyweights.
Rugby’s Top 10 Highest Earners.
10. Bryan Habana (Toulon) – €570,000 per annum
9. Charles Piutau (Ulster) – €600,000 per annum
8. Johnny Sexton (Leinster) – €600,000 per annum
7. Ma’a Nonu (Toulon) – €600,000 per annum
6. Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon) €600,000 per annum
5. Aaron Cruden (Montpellier) €800,000 per annum
4. Kurtley Beale (Wasps) €800,000+ per annum
3. Matt Giteau (Toulon and Australia) €1.08m per annum
2. Dan Carter (Racing 92) – €1.67m per annum
1. Ayumu Goromaru (Toulon) – €1.7m+ per annum
