How Much Do Springbok Rugby Players Get Paid?
Springbok rugby players are among the highest-paid athletes in the country. However, their earnings can vary depending on where they play and their experience level. While national pride plays a huge part in donning the green and gold, the real money for many of these stars comes from their club contracts.
Club vs Country: Where the Big Money Lies
Most Springboks earn the bulk of their income from club rugby, not directly from SA Rugby contracts. Local franchises like the Bulls, Sharks, Lions, and Stormers offer competitive packages. However, the real financial windfalls come from stints in foreign leagues. France’s Top 14, England’s Premiership, and Japan’s Top League are among the most lucrative destinations for our top talents.
What Can a Springbok Earn?
There’s no single figure when it comes to what a Springbok earns—it all depends on the individual and their circumstances. Players on the lower rungs of the pay scale typically take home around R500,000 annually. Involvement in a Rugby World Cup win, as seen in 2019 and 2023, can significantly boost a player’s earnings. This is mainly through bonuses and sponsorship deals.
At the top of the pile, elite Springboks can earn up to R32 million per year. These figures are often boosted by international club contracts and personal endorsements.
Big Earners in the Squad
Among the highest-paid players in the current Springbok setup are captain Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, Handré Pollard, and Faf de Klerk—all of whom have secured substantial deals overseas. Players like RG Snyman, Jean Kleyn, Jasper Wiese, Jesse Kriel, and Damian de Allende are also raking in impressive salaries. This is thanks to their international commitments.
Back home, Damian Willemse and Eben Etzebeth are believed to be the top earners among locally-based players. Willie le Roux, who recently returned to join the Bulls, is expected to command a hefty salary as well.
Match Fees and Additional Earnings
The exact match fees paid by SA Rugby are not publicly disclosed. However, they are understood to be standardized and agreed upon before each fixture. While these fees contribute to overall earnings, they are often dwarfed by club pay and endorsements.
Franchise Salary Cap and Retention Challenges
United Rugby Championship (URC) franchises in the country operate under a salary cap system. However, they are allowed to sign up to four marquee players who can be paid above the cap. Despite this, keeping top talent has become increasingly difficult, as overseas clubs continue to dangle massive contracts.
Some franchises, like the Sharks, have worked around these limitations by offering additional sponsorship and endorsement deals to retain players. This has helped South African teams remain somewhat competitive in a tough global player market.
Rugby Pays – But Abroad Pays More
Playing for the Springboks brings prestige and national honor, but the international club scene often provides financial security for the players. With top South African stars earning millions both at home and abroad, it’s clear that rugby has become a highly profitable profession. However, the lure of big-money deals overseas remains a constant challenge for local franchises trying to keep their stars in the country.
Also read: Top 10 Highest-Paid PSL Players in 2025
