Owen Farrell earns more than Antoine Dupont as highest-paid World Cup stars are revealed

Indeed, the saying "money makes the world go round" holds true within the rugby domain. A game characterized by two teams of 15 players, skillfully maneuvering a ball across a sprawling pitch, has evolved into a financial juggernaut. And it's in Europe's premier leagues where the most substantial sums circulate.

Within this lucrative landscape, the titans of the sport enjoy substantial rewards for their contributions, whether they are seasoned veterans nearing the twilight of their careers or emerging talents who are equally adept at securing colossal contracts.

In this report, we unveil the top six earners in rugby according to the insights provided by Wales Online.

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.

In 2020, the captain of the England rugby team inked an agreement to remain with Saracens until at least the 2023 World Cup.

However, earlier this year, there were unverified claims that he had secured a significant new contract, potentially elevating his earnings to approximately £820,000. These reports lacked solid evidence to support their validity.

Furthermore, it had been disclosed earlier that he had voluntarily deferred 90% of his salary to assist the club in navigating the financial challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

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.

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 he is bringing home around £800,000.

Ultimately, his journey led him to the far shores of Japan, where he put pen to paper with the esteemed Suntory Sungoliath. Upon his arrival post-World Cup, whispers in the rugby circles indicate that he will be raking in an astonishing reported salary of approximately £900,000, adding an intriguing chapter to the narrative of rugby's financial landscape.

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.