England and British & Irish Lions fly-half Fin Smith has signed a massive new multi-year contract with Northampton Saints, making him the fourth highest-paid Prem player.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. The 23-year-old playmaker joined Saints from Worcester Warriors in 2022 and has quickly become one of English rugby’s brightest stars. Since arriving at Franklin’s Gardens, Smith has scored 589 points in just 63 appearances for the Black, Green and Gold.
He’s also earned 11 England caps and was part of the Lions tour to Australia this summer, further cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting young fly-halves in the game.
“I’ve loved my time at Saints and feel I’ve developed massively as a person on and off the pitch,” Smith told the club website.
“I turned up as a 19-year-old a bit naive and have to thank Northampton for helping me figure out who I want to be, how I want to play the game, and what it means to play here—it’s shaped me in a big way.
“There were other options for me to explore at the end of this contract cycle, but ultimately, staying in Northampton felt right. I believe we can go on to be really successful.”
Smith’s new deal reportedly sees him earn around £600,000 per season, placing him just behind stars like Owen Farrell and George Ford among the highest-paid Prem players.
? Top 10 Highest-Paid Prem Players (2025)
From rising stars to global icons, here’s who’s earning the big money in England’s top flight ?
10. Ben Earl (Saracens) – £450,000
Dynamic and relentless, Earl has become one of England’s most consistent forwards. His explosive ball-carrying and tireless defence make him a key figure for both Saracens and England.
9. Marcus Smith (Harlequins) – £460,000
The Quins magician. Smith’s flair, footwork, and creativity light up the Prem every weekend. Still just 25, he’s the heartbeat of Harlequins and a vital part of England’s future.
8. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears) – £525,000
The “Baby Rhino” brings raw power and leadership to Bristol. An England regular, Genge is as fiery in the scrum as he is inspirational off the pitch.
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks) – £525,000
A tackling machine. Curry’s athleticism and breakdown dominance make him one of the world’s best back-rowers, even as he battles through injury layoffs.
6. George Ford (Sale Sharks) – £550,000
The ultimate tactician. Ford’s control, vision, and game management have driven Sale into contention, and his experience keeps him among the top fly-halves in world rugby.
5. Owen Farrell (Saracens) – £550,000
Saracens’ heartbeat and England’s captain. Farrell’s precision, leadership, and relentless standards keep him among the very best in the Prem.
4. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints) – £600,000
The new kid among the elite. At just 23, Smith’s rise has been rapid — from Worcester hopeful to England and Lions fly-half, now one of the highest-paid Prem players.
3. Steve Luatua (Bristol Bears) – £620,000
The former All Black has been a cornerstone for Bristol since his arrival. Luatua’s versatility, leadership, and consistency make him worth every penny.
2. Maro Itoje (Saracens) – £750,000
England’s enforcer. Itoje’s athleticism and intelligence are world-class, and his influence on and off the field makes him one of the biggest earners in the Prem.
1. Finn Russell (Bath) – £1,000,000
The top earner in the league — and by a distance. The Scottish superstar’s flair, vision, and match-winning ability have transformed Bath’s attack since his blockbuster move from Racing 92.