Cheslin Kolbe has been released by Toulon with immediate effect

In a statement, the club has said: “The entire RCT team wishes Cheslin Kolbe the best for the future and an excellent Rugby World Cup, which he will prepare with the Springboks at the RCT Campus.

“Cheslin Kolbe will be honored during the end-of-season Garden Parties organized this Monday and Tuesday at the RCT Campus.”

Despite battling an ankle sprain that kept him out of play for a month, Kolbe showcased his exceptional skills by scoring six tries in 18 matches during this season.

Commenting on his exit, Kolbe added: “I would like to thank the Club, my team-mates and all the supporters for the opportunity given to me to play in Toulon during these two seasons and which I appreciated very much.

"I would have liked to stay in Toulon but the financial constraints of the clubs and the injuries made things difficult.”

Dan Biggar, the sole Welshman on this prestigious list, previously earned approximately £600,000 while playing for Northampton Saints in the Gallagher Premiership after his stint with the Ospreys. However, he recently made a move to French giants Toulon, where sources indicate he is now earning around £800,000.

Maro Itoje, the talented lock, was rumored to have expressed interest in joining Racing 92 two years ago. Club president Jacky Lorenzetti inadvertently revealed that Itoje requested a 1-million-euro deal. While the exact figures of Itoje's current salary at Saracens vary, it is widely reported that he is bringing home approximately £800,000.

Cheslin Kolbe, the celebrated Springbok star, had already established himself as one of rugby's hottest commodities during his time at Toulouse. When he made the switch from one French powerhouse to another by joining Toulon, reports emerged that he began earning around 1 million euros per year. Toulouse received a substantial £2.23 million transfer fee for his services.

Finn Russell, the mercurial fly-half for Scotland, had been earning £850,000 annually at Racing 92. However, his move to Premiership club Bath is believed to be even more lucrative. Some sources estimate his new deal to be around £950,000, while others suggest a staggering £1 million per year for the duration of his three-year contract at the Rec.

For quite some time, Charles Piutau, the Kiwi sensation, has been widely reported to earn £1 million at Bristol Bears, making him the first player in British rugby to achieve such a feat. However, his tenure at Ashton Gate is expected to come to an end soon, potentially clearing the path for Finn Russell to become the outright highest earner in the game.

Note: The salaries mentioned in this article are approximate figures and subject to change as contract negotiations and market dynamics evolve.