Rugby fever is at an time high as the Springboks will go head to head with New Zealand tomorrow in the World Cup final. If South Africa wins the Rugby World Cup, it means they would be retaining the title, since 2019. Which could explain why South African rugby players are amongst the most sought-after in the world, also making them some of the highest-paid athletes in the country. Their salaries range from R500,000 to R10 million a year.

TOP EARNERS

The top 10 highest-paid players in South Africa include Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, Handre Pollard whose kick propelled the Springboks into the final, and Duane Vermeulen, among many others. According to a list compiled by WalesOnline, Cheslin Kolbe, currently playing for Suntory Sungoliath in the Japan Rugby League and Handre Pollard, both earn above R10 million per season from their respective clubs, making them among the highest-paid players. In the major four professional teams spread across the country, there are about 800 professional rugby players, the top domestic teams are the Bulls, the Lions, the Sharks and the Stormers. These teams have massive sponsors.

With rugby players being some of the most paid athletes, their salaries,however, vary depending on their level of experience. Here is the list of the top-paid rugby athletes in Mzansi, according to a list compiled by Sport24 in 2021.

TOP FIVE HIGHEST-PAID SA RUGBY PLAYERS

These salaries do not include external wages from sponsorships and, in certain cases, international match fees, etc.

1.   Handre Pollard- R31 million ($1.5 million USD) per year

2.   Faf de Klerk: R20 million ($1.1 million USD) per year

3.   Eben Etzebeth: R19 million ($1.05 million USD) per year

4.   Cheslin Kolbe:R19 million ($1.05 million USD) per year

5.   Duane Vermeulen: R13 million million ($600,000 USD) per year