South Africa’s Handre Pollard scores a penalty during the Rugby World Cup 2023 final match at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Picture date: Saturday October 28, 2023. Photo: David Davies / PA via Backpagepix
ICYMI: Who are the four richest Springboks?
Several Rugby World Cup champion Springboks play their club action on foreign shores. Who’s earning the most money though?
South Africa’s Handre Pollard scores a penalty during the Rugby World Cup 2023 final match at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Picture date: Saturday October 28, 2023. Photo: David Davies / PA via Backpagepix
The Springboks have several top players dotted around the global club scene. Understandable, given their status as back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions.
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Top-earning Springboks
The annual earnings of top footballers or rugby players, or tennis stars for that matter, are difficult to nail down to accurate figures. That’s owing to the numerous revenue streams they enjoy off the pitch. However, these are currently the best-earning Springboks in the world. The figures below are annual and don’t include endorsements.
- Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath) – approx. R21 million
- Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – approx. R18-20 million
- Faf de Klerk (Sale Sharks) – approx. R18-20 million
- Eben Etzebeth (The Sharks) – approx. R14-17 million
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Pollard takes a pay cut, Kolbe heads to Japan
Handre Pollard recently left Montpellier for the Leicester Tigers as the French outfit questioned his injury record. He also fell out of favour at number 10. He’s taking home less now with the Leicester Tigers, but he’s still a top Bok earner. Cheslin Kolbe’s new deal with Tokyo Sungoliath sees him pocket more than R20 million per year. It’s still unclear what Racing Metro will pay their marquee new signing Siya Kolisi, but that contract is likely to be a very shiny one indeed.
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Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, news, views and commentary.
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