Joe Marler has smashed it on the rugby pitch, earning England caps and Six Nations glory, before taking his bold personality straight into the TV spotlight.
Most recently, the fan-favourite made waves on BBC’s Celebrity Traitors, where his scrappy smarts, team instincts, and no-nonsense honesty had viewers hooked.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. From reading the Traitors’ moves to keeping the Faithful on edge, Marler showed he’s just as cunning off the pitch as he is in the scrum.
In this list, we break down the 10 richest rugby stars in 2025, which shows how the game’s top players are turning raw talent, hard graft, and off-field ventures into serious cash.
Figures are estimates, but the results speak for themselves.
10. Joe Marler (England) – £5.7m
When it comes to big personalities in rugby, few can match Joe Marler. And it turns out his bank balance matches his fame. Joe Marler net worth is estimated at £5.7 million, thanks to a combination of on-field success, clever off-field investments, and media ventures.
Marler made his name as a powerhouse prop for England and Harlequins, earning nearly 100 international caps and playing a key role in multiple Six Nations campaigns.
But his impact hasn’t been confined to the pitch. With his outspoken personality and charm, he’s seamlessly crossed over into television, most notably on BBC’s Celebrity Traitors, where his sharp mind and team instincts made him a fan favourite.
Off the field, Marler has leveraged his fame into lucrative partnerships. He’s worked with brands like Under Armour and StepOne, while also making strategic property investments, including holdings in Surrey. These ventures play a big part in his reported Joe Marler net worth, showing that he’s as savvy with money as he is with scrums.
Whether it’s in rugby, reality TV, or business, Marler has proven he can dominate any arena. Fans and fellow players alike watch his every move, and it’s clear that his influence—and wealth—extend far beyond the pitch.
9. Nigel Owens (Wales, Referee) – £8M
Legendary international referee Nigel Owens built his fortune through a combination of refereeing at the highest level, media work, and public appearances.
Known for his sharp wit, impeccable professionalism, and advocacy for inclusivity in sport, Owens became one of the most respected figures in rugby history, earning opportunities beyond the pitch that contributed significantly to his net worth.
8. Dan Carter (New Zealand) – £15M
All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time. His wealth of £15M comes from lucrative international and club contracts, notably with the Crusaders in Super Rugby and stints in France and Japan.
Carter also secured high-profile endorsements with brands like Adidas and invests in business ventures, helping cement his financial legacy off the field.
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand) – £15M
Renowned for his leadership as captain of the All Blacks and two-time Rugby World Cup winner, Richie McCaw has parlayed an illustrious rugby career into substantial wealth.
Beyond contracts and match bonuses, McCaw has income streams from endorsements, public speaking engagements, and smart business ventures, making him one of the sport’s most commercially successful icons.
6. Francois Pienaar (South Africa) – £15M
The inspirational captain of South Africa’s 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning team, Francois Pienaar turned sporting fame into long-term financial success.
His £15M fortune combines earnings from his playing career, corporate roles, business investments, and high-profile appearances, including work in rugby development and public speaking on leadership.
5. Bryan Habana (South Africa) – £15M
Known for his blistering speed and try-scoring prowess, Springbok legend Bryan Habana accumulated his wealth through a highly successful playing career with South Africa and club teams in France.
Habana also capitalized on endorsements, media appearances, and ambassadorial roles, establishing him as one of rugby’s most marketable figures.
4. Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand) – £20M
A rare dual-sport athlete, Sonny Bill Williams combined his rugby career with professional boxing to build a £20M fortune.
His success extends beyond the pitch and ring, with endorsements from global brands, acting appearances, and business ventures, reflecting his ability to leverage sporting fame into diverse revenue streams.
3. Jonny Wilkinson (England) – £21M
Jonny Wilkinson became a national hero after kicking England to Rugby World Cup glory in 2003. His £21M net worth reflects earnings from international and club rugby, strategic investments, media work, and business ventures, including consultancy and commentary roles.
Wilkinson’s disciplined approach to career and post-retirement opportunities has made him a highly respected figure both on and off the field.
2. Mike Tindall (England) – £25M
Former England international Mike Tindall is as well-known for his rugby career as his life off the pitch. A net worth of £25M comes from a combination of rugby contracts, media appearances, and endorsement deals.
Tindall’s profile was further elevated by his marriage to Zara Phillips, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, which opened doors to high-profile public engagements and charitable work.
1. Simon McDowell (Ireland) – £39.3M
Simon McDowell, an Irish rugby referee turned business magnate, tops the list with a net worth of £39.3M. While his early career in refereeing brought him recognition, the bulk of his fortune stems from his company, Kilwaughter Minerals, a leading producer of lime-based products.
McDowell exemplifies how discipline, reputation, and business acumen can translate sporting experience into extraordinary financial success.
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