Top 10 Richest Rugby Players in the World

Rugby’s popularity varies worldwide. In some parts, the sport is extremely popular, while in others, people do not even know the name. However, don’t think that rugby players do not make millions of dollars.

When you see the net worth of the top 10 richest rugby players in the world, you will feel motivated to pursue your career in rugby.

Rugby players must work hard to hone their physical, technical, and tactical skills. They deserve each penny they earn.

While some former players dominate the list, some current active players have also found luxury in their early stages of life.

Here Are the Top 10 Richest Rugby Players in the World

1. Simon McDowell

Simon McDowell holds the number one position on the list. He is a former Irish rugby player who had his rugby career from 1987 to 1990.

His career was cut short due to injuries. After early retirement, he became a referee of the sport. McDowell had so much love for the sport.

However, I do not think he has made so much money by being a referee. Instead, McDowell owns a chemical company called Kilwaughter, from which he earns most of his money.

Anyway, with money from rugby or a chemical company, he is the richest rugby player in 2023.

2. Sir Bill Gammell

Sir Bill Gammell is another former rugby player who retired early in his career due to an injury. After he was sure he could not return to the field, he started his own business.

You have to admit that Gammell is a shrewd businessman.

Gammell established Caird Energy’s company towards the end of the 80s and soon became a successful businessman.

By 2010, the company’s valuation stood at over $10 billion! With so much intelligence and wealth, he was destined to have political connections.

The Scottish businessman is a very good friend of Joe Baide, the present US president. In 2023, Gammell was second among the top 10 richest rugby players in the world, with over $50 million in net worth.

Career Stats of Bill Gammell

3. Sonny Williams

When you get sponsors like Adidas, you are bound to become a wealthy man. That is what happened with Sonny Williams.

He was the first rugby player to get a contract with a global brand like Adidas, which 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 by his name, he is the third wealthiest rugby player in 2023.

Career Stats of Sonny Williams

4. Jonathan Wilkinson

Jonathan Wilkinson is a former English rugby player. He was born in Frimley in 1979. He was dedicated to the game and had a good career.

He played a total of 97 games and scored more than twelve hundred points.

Wilkinson is among the few players who recorded a career average of 15 points per game. So, how did Wilkinson make so much money? That is an interesting story.

Wilkinson saved his salary from becoming a millionaire. Now, that does sound impossible.

Jonathan Wilkinson was among the few players who earned a handsome salary yet lived.

He did not adopt an extravagant, lavish lifestyle or get involved in any controversy. In a word, he was a saint-like man in the history of rugby.

Career Stats of Jonathan Wilkinson

5. Mike Tindal

At number five, we have another former rugby player, Mike Tindal. Tindal’s net worth has quickly increased in the past few years.

And how did it happen? Well, she has lady luck. He is married to Zara Phillips, a grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II.

Final was also a very good player on the field. He played over two hundred games in the English Premiership and scored 193 points. Tindal was part of the 2003 World Cup-winning England team.

As of 2024, his net worth is about $13 million, which makes him the fifth wealthiest rugby player.

Career Stats of Mike Tindal

6. Beau Ryan

Beau Ryan is a former Australian rugby player. He was born in 1985 in New South Wales. A multidimensional player, he used to play in different positions.

He played in the wing and center and was also a fullback.

One look at Ryan, and you will say this man was born for stardom. He has a good look and a good physique. Ryan also knew his destiny, so quickly after he retired from rugby, he joined the media.

Ryan has found much success on TV and has nearly four hundred thousand followers on Instagram.

With his increased popularity, he became the focus of Adidas and signed endorsement contracts. His net worth currently records $10 million.

Career Stats of Beau Ryan

7. Handré Pollard

With $2.7 million, Pollard is the seventh richest rugby player. It is a wonder he is only 29 and has already made a list.

He is one of the youngest active players to make a list. He signed a huge contract with Montpellier and now earns over a million a year.

Handre Pollard was born in South Africa in 1994. He plays as a flyhalf and occasionally as an inside center. So far, he has been doing great in the field.

It won’t be surprising if he gets an even bigger contract, earns more money, and climbs up the list.

Career Stats of Handre Pollard

8. Charles Piutau

When you are the best at what you do, you are bound to be successful. And with success comes money. Piutu has proved this.

It is rare for a rugby player to earn an annual salary of $2 million. However, they both earn more than two million just from their salaries.

Piutau is currently signed with the Bristol Bears in England and 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.

Charles Piutau was born in 1991 in New Zealand. He showed great talent from the very beginning of his career.

And that reputation helped him earn a handsome contract with the Bears.

Career Stats of Charles Piutau in Bears

9. Maro Itoje

Maro Itoje is another active player who has made a list. He represents the Saracens in Premiership rugby.

Itoje was born in London and has had a passion for rugby from an early age. His height of 6 feet 5 inches makes him a perfect player in the lock position.

He currently has the second-highest salary, which has helped me reach the list of wealthiest rugby players. His net worth is about $2 million, placing him in the ninth position on the list.

Career Stats of Maro Itoje

10. Owen Farrell

Owen Farrell is an active English rugby player who is very good at his game. He has recorded 2575 points for the Saracens and has been with the club for many seasons now.

He plays in different positions, such as fly-half and inside center.

Farrell’s league career began when he was only 17. He has been playing the game for almost fifteen years.

He is undoubtedly a future hall of Famer. But for now, he is tenth among the top 10 richest rugby players in the world.

Careers Stats of Owen Farrell for Saracens

Conclusion

These were the top 10 richest rugby players in the world. Many of them are no longer active players, and a few of them have earned their money from business and other means.

However, they still identify as rugby players. Also, some current players, like Itoje, Pollard, and Piutau, are changing their status.