Forget Jonny, Jonny Is The Top Earner

Despite taking a pay cut, Toulon’s Jonny Wilkinson commands the highest salary in the Top 14, according to reports.

Le Journal du Dimanche has reported that Wilkinson beats off the challenge of fellow number ten Jonathan Sexton for the position of top earner, with Wilkinson commanding a salary of €56,000 a month while Sexton will pocket €52,000 at Racing Metro. Making him it would appear to be the true JonnyLAD

Fellow Top 14 newcomer Bryan Habana weighs in next with a salary of €50,000 a month. Clermont’s Morgan Parra is fourth on the rich list and is the top paid Frenchman with a monthly income of €46,000. Parra’s international team-mate, Thierry Dusautoir of Toulouse, rounds out the top five at €43,000.

French clubs have a €10m salary cap, which is near on double that of Premiership clubs in England.

Despite these figures, players’ union Provale have suggested that the average salary in the Top 14 will decrease this season. However, Paul Goze, president of the Ligue Nationale de Rugby, insists that this is not a sign of a decline in the game.

“We have experienced double-digit growth in revenue (+55% between 2006 and 2009) and spectators with average attendance growing from 2,400 in 1997-1998 to 14,000 today,” he explained.

“Maybe we have just reached a plateau, but having wages stagnate or decline slightly and budgets increase as this season is a sign of good management. ”

Top 10 earners in the Top 14*:

Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon) – €56,000 (£48,155) per month
Jonathan Sexton (Racing Metro) – €52,000 (£44,711)
Bryan Habana (Toulon) – €50,000 (£42,991)
Morgan Parra (Clermont Auvergne) – €46,000 (£39,555)
Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse) – €43,000 (£36,975)
Dimitri Szarzewski (Racing Metro) – €41,000 (£35,254)
Carl Hayman (Toulon) – €41,000 (£35,254)
Bakkies Botha (Toulon) – €41,000 (£35,254)
Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro) – €40,000 (£34,394)
Matt Giteau (Toulon) – €40,000 (£34,394)

*According to Le Journal du Dimanche