When it comes to professional sports, rugby players haven’t traditionally topped the list of highest income receivers. This is possibly because the sport has only recently started to gain popularity in countries such as the United States and Japan, where money is thrown at sports’ stars with reckless abandon. However, rugby is gaining ground and new spectators and with this, comes lots of cash. Here are 10 of the world’s richest rugby players.
Note: Champion Peoples is not affiliated with any of the player listed below and list are not on order. Players earning details are getting different sources so it my be incorrect.
Simon McDowell -$54 million
Simon McDowell is the richest rugby player in the world, with a net worth of around $54 million. Simon is now retired, but he was an Irish player during his rugby career. Unfortunately, his career was short lived, as Simon was forced to retire in 1990 due to a knee injury. McDowell played for the North Ireland football Club throughout his entire career before becoming a referee after his professional playing career ended. His high net worth is in large part because he owns a chemical company called Kilwaughter.
Sir Bill Gammell -$50 million
The Scottish businessman and former Scottish rugby player Sir Bill Gammell is a friend of the US President and the British Prime Minister, a philanthropist, and a knight of the realm. Gammell might soon be one of the UK’s most successful oil prospectors, having discovered it rich in areas where the world’s top energy corporations have discovered dry rock.
Jimmy made his debut against Ireland at Murrayfield in 1977, scoring two tries, and also played against Japan in Tokyo in 1977, scoring four tries in the Scots’ 74-9 win. He is the second richest rugby player in the world, with a net worth of more than $50 million.
Sonny Williams -$30 million
When you get sponsors like Adidas, you are bound to become a wealthy man. And that is what happened with Sonny Williams. He is the first ever rugby player to get a contract with a global brand like Adidas. It helped him become a millionaire overnight. The New Zealand-born star quickly switched his career path. After spending some time in rugby, he moved to boxing. Well, he took a completely different sport but is still doing great. With about 30 million USD by his name, he is the third wealthiest rugby player in 2023.
Jonathan Wilkinson -$29 millilon
Jonathan Wilkinson is a name that is synonymous with the sport of rugby union in England. He played fly-half for the Newcastle Falcons, Toulon, England, the British and Irish Lions, and Toulon. He also represented England. His induction into the Rugby Hall of Fame took place in the year 2014. His reputation rests on the fact that he maintains a virtuous way of life. It is estimated that he has a net worth of close to $29 million as of the year 2023.
Mike Tindal -$13 million
Mike Tindall, a former English rugby union player, is one of the richest rugby players. Between 2000 and 2011, Tindall gained 75 caps for England while playing outside the center for Bath and Gloucester. He was a member of the England team that won the World Cup in 2003. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be about $13 million.
Beau Ryan -$10 million
Beau Ryan is an Australian rugby player with a net worth of $10 million. Born in New South Wales, Beau was a multi-dimensional player, playing as a wing, fullback, and center at times. In addition to being known for his skills on the field, Ryan is also a singer. In 2014, he released his very first single featuring the Justice Crew. In addition, part of the reason he has such a high net worth is because of the Adidas advertisements in which Ryan has been featured.
Handré Pollard -$2.7 million
In the list of richest rugby players here comes a young one Handre Pollard. Handré Pollard is a professional rugby union player from South Africa who presently plays for the national side as well as Montpellier in the French Top 14. His primary positions on the field are fly-half and inside-center. As of 2023, his net worth exceeds $2.7 million, making him the world’s 7th wealthiest rugby player.
Charles Piutau -$2.5 million
When you are the best at what you do, you are bound to get successful. And with success comes money. Piutu has proved it. Earning an annual salary of 2.5 million USD in rugby is rare. Piutau and Pollard have done it. They both earn more than two million just from their salary.
Piutau is currently signed with the Bristol Bears in England, and he is one of the key players for the Bears. So far, he has played 41 games with the Bears. He plays in Center, Wing, and fullback. He is also a multidimensional player.
Maro Itoje -$2 million
Maro is a British professional rugby unionist who plays as a lock or a blindside flanker for Saracens English Championship Club and the National Team in England. In 2012, he signed his first professional deal with Saracens, and the following year, he made his debut. Itoje’s net worth is above $2 million as of 2023.
Owen Farrell -$2 million
Owen Andrew Farrell, presently the captain of the Championship on the Saracens side and the captain of the England National Team, is a British professional rugby union player. Since 2012, Farrell has played England international rugby. Farrell’s net value of more than $2 million.
