Courtney Lawes offered huge salary to leave Northampton Saints
Rugby NewsThursday, 08 February 2024 at 19:08
Two PRO D2 clubs are reportedly making substantial efforts to entice former England forward Courtney Lawes across the Channel in the upcoming season.
As Lawes' contract with Northampton Saints concludes at the end of the current season, speculation surrounds his potential move to France, marking a potential conclusion to his illustrious career.
The 34-year-old, boasting 105 caps and ranking as England's fifth-most capped men's international, retired from Test playing duties post the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Lawes debuted in 2009 against Australia and played a pivotal role in four World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours. Having captained England 12 times, he now plans to step aside to prioritize family time.
According to a report from Actu Rugby, Provence Rugby, a PRO D2 club, has presented an enticing offer of approximately €23,000 per month (£20,000 per month and £276,000 per annum). The proposal extends to covering private school fees for Lawes' children.
However, the report suggests that Brive, owned by Englishman Simon Gillham, has outbid Provence with an offer of approximately €35,000 per month (£30,000 per month and £360,000 per annum). It is believed that Brive has secured Lawes' services unless Northampton can present a competitive counteroffer.
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Highest-paid rugby players in the world 2024
RUCK.co.uk examines the top six highest-paid players in the world. We've based our figures on reports from trusted news sources and databases to boost our accuracy.
All figures mentioned are before tax – unless specified – and do not include bonuses, extra fees and players' various sponsorship deals which, in some cases, can instantly double their annual income.
6. Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) - £610,000
During his tenure at Montpellier, the Springbok fly-half was known as one of the highest-earning players in the sport, purportedly receiving an annual salary exceeding one million.
However, his transfer to Leicester Tigers entailed a reduction in pay, although he is still believed to be earning a respectable sum at Welford Road.
Handre Pollard of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
5. Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) - £700,000
The Les Bleus’ talisman is undoubtedly leading one of the most exciting teams on the international stage, all while helping to change the perception of the sport.
Antoine Dupont of France during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
3. Dan Biggar (Toulon) - £800,000
The only Welshman on this list, Biggar was previously earning around £600,000 at Northampton Saints, having joined the Gallagher Premiership side from the Ospreys. However, he recently left the Saints to join French giants Toulon, where he is reportedly earning around £800,000.
Dan Biggar of Northampton Saints kicks the penalty to take the lead during the European Champions Cup, Quarter-final match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on 20 Sept 2020. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
2. Maro Itoje (Saracens) - £1,000,000
When Itoje was rumoured to be interested in joining Racing 92 two years ago, club president Jacky Lorenzetti let slip that the lock wanted 1million euros for the deal to go through. Exact figures on Itoje's current salary at Saracens vary but it is reported that his new deal will be around £1m per season following the departure of Farrell.
A frustrated Maro Itoje of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
2. Finn Russell (Bath) - £1million
The Scotland fly-half, known for his unpredictable nature, had previously earned an annual salary of £850,000 while playing for Racing 92.
However, his recent agreement with Premiership club Bath is believed to be even more financially rewarding.
Speculations put his new deal at approximately £950,000, though certain sources indicate that it could reach an impressive £1 million per year for the entire three-year duration of his contract at the Rec.
1. Owen Farrell (Saracens) - £1.2m
Owen Farrell is set to bid farewell to English rugby at the conclusion of this season, as the Saracens fly-half secures a lucrative three-season contract with Racing 92.
The exclusive scoop was first reported by RUCK earlier today, revealing an agreement between Saracens and the Parisian club.
The Telegraph later confirmed the blockbuster move, disclosing that Farrell has officially inked a three-year deal with Racing 92.
A statement from Racing read: “Racing 92 can confirm the signing of Owen Farrell (32) for our men’s team. The England international has joined for two seasons and will join up with the ciel et blanc from July 1 2024.”
One report in France indicates that the former England captain could be earning up to £1.2m per season.
Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?
Securing victory in the Guinness Six Nations is undoubtedly special, but achieving this triumph as a captain is a feat that remains a distant dream for many.
In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.
Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.
Surnames only will be accepted.
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