The highest-paid rugby player in the world is Charles Piutau, a title he shared for a while with another player on this list. This New Zealand international has made a name for himself as a strong force to be reckoned with since relocating to Europe.
He is frequently hailed as the best fullback in the annals of the sport. His total wealth is $5 million. In this article, we are going to learn about Charles Piutau’s net worth, salary, earnings, biography, wife, and many more.
About Charles Piutau
Rugby union player Salesi Tu’ipulotu “Charles” Piutau was born on October 31, 1991. He competes for the English team Bristol Bears in the Premiership as a fullback and occasionally as a wing.
He was a Tonga and New Zealand Under-20 representative born in New Zealand to Tongan parents. Between 2013 and 2015, he earned 17 senior New Zealand appearances. After modifying the qualifying requirements, he made his Tonga debut in 2022.
Early Life
Piutau was born to Tongan parents in New Zealand. He was up in the Mangere neighborhood of Auckland and went to Wesley College. He is the tenth and youngest child.
Piutau represented Tonga in 2010 in Argentina at the IRB Junior World Championship. The New Zealand Under-20s’ highest try scorer during their 2011 World Championship-winning campaign was Piutau.
For the Pakuranga United Rugby Club, Charles played club rugby. He is Siale Piutau’s younger brother, the center for the Bristol Bears.
Career
In 2010, Piutau made his varsity debut for Auckland. He was added to the Blues squad in 2012, and his fullback position was confirmed in 2014.
Piutau will join the Irish team Ulster before the start of the 2016–17 season, it was announced on April 1st, 2015.
To train with the All Blacks, Piutau joined the group throughout the 2013 Super Rugby season. He played his first test on June 22 at New Plymouth against France. The fact that he was passed over for the 2015 World Cup impacted his decision to move to Europe to play club rugby.
Charles Piutau’s Net Worth Details
Charles Piutau’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. Regarding yearly salary, Piutau and Handre Pollard are now tied for first place in professional rugby. He is a current Bristol Bears player.
Salary
Charles became the first British professional athlete to earn £1 million a year when he signed with the Bears in 2018. Piutau and Pollard both received an annual salary of slightly over $2 million for their professional rugby careers as of March 2020, it was discovered.
Endorsement
Additionally, he has endorsement agreements with TM Lewin and Heineken, which will undoubtedly add significantly to the Kiwi Rugby player’s overall earnings.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Salesi Tu’ipulotu “Charles” Piutau |
| Nickname | Charles |
| Born | 31 October 1991 |
| Debut | 2021 |
| Height | 1.85 m |
| Weight | 100 kg |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Father name | Manako |
| Mother name | Melenaite |
| Twitter Handle | @CPiutau |
| Instagram Handle | cpiutau |
Wife
Charles (Salesi) Piutau’s niece published a picture of him getting down on one knee in front of Lineti Latu in Paris. The 25-year-old Piutau holds Latu’s hand while holding an open yellow ring box in the other. In the distance, you can see the Eiffel Tower. They are married since 2017.
Career Stats
| Against | Pld | W | D | L | T | Con | Pen | DG | Pts | %Won |
| France | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 100 |
| Australia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Argentina | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 100 |
| South Africa | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Japan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 100 |
| England | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| United States | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 100 |
| Samoa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Scotland | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Wales | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Total | 17 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
FAQs
Who is Charles Piutau?
Charles Piutau is a professional rugby union player named Salesi Tu’ipulotu Piutau. He was born in Auckland, New Zealand on October 31, 1991. He’s known for his versatility and exceptional skills as a fullback and winger.
What positions does Charles Piutau play?
Charles is primarily a fullback, playing in this position about 80% of the time. He’s also played as a winger (both left and right) and occasionally as an outside center. His versatility makes him a valuable player for any team.
Which national teams has Charles Piutau represented?
Interestingly, Charles has represented both New Zealand and Tonga. He played for the All Blacks from 2013 to 2015, earning 17 caps. In 2022, after a change in eligibility rules, he started playing for Tonga and has since won 5 caps.
What’s Charles Piutau’s club career like?
Charles has had an impressive club career. He started with Auckland and the Blues in New Zealand. He then moved to Europe, playing for Ulster in Ireland and Wasps in England. Since 2018, he’s been with Bristol Bears. He plays for Shizuoka Blue Revs in Japan’s Rugby League One.
What are some of Charles Piutau’s notable achievements?
Charles was a standout player at Wasps, nominated for the Aviva Premiership Player of the Season, and named in the Team of the Season. He’s known for his game-changing performances, like scoring a crucial try in the 80th minute of a European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-final.
What’s Charles Piutau’s background?
Charles was born in New Zealand to Tongan parents. He’s the youngest of 10 children and grew up in Mangere, Auckland. He attended Wesley College and played club rugby for Pakuranga United Rugby Club.
Has Charles Piutau played in any World Cups?
Yes, Charles played in the 2023 Rugby World Cup for Tonga. Interestingly, he wasn’t selected for the 2015 World Cup while playing for New Zealand, which influenced his decision to move to Europe.
Does Charles Piutau have any family members in rugby?
Yes, rugby runs in the family. His brother, Siale Piutau, is a former rugby player who played as a center for Bristol Bears. Charles is also related to Liam Farrell and Connor Farrell, who play rugby league.
What’s Charles Piutau like off the field?
Charles is known for his humble and friendly nature, which makes him a great ambassador for brands and media. He got married in July 2018 and has invested in properties in several countries, including New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, and the UK.
What makes Charles Piutau stand out as a player?
Charles is known for his versatility. He can play multiple positions at a high level and is a game-changer with his ability to break the line and create opportunities. His experience playing at the highest levels in both hemispheres has made him a well-rounded and highly sought-after player.
