Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Australia, with a strong following at both the professional and grassroots levels. Rugby players in Australia are among the highest-paid athletes in the country, with top players earning salaries that rival those of other professional athletes. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how much Australian rugby players get paid, and highlight the top 10 highest-paid rugby players in the country.
- Israel Folau – AUD 1.1 million ($830,000)
Israel Folau is a fullback who has played for both the New South Wales Waratahs and the Australian national team. He is known for his speed and athleticism on the field and has been named the Australian Rugby Union Player of the Year three times. Folau’s salary is estimated to be around AUD 1.1 million per year.
- Kurtley Beale – AUD 1 million ($757,000)
Kurtley Beale is a utility back who plays for the New South Wales Waratahs and the Australian national team. He has been a consistent performer for both his club and country and is known for his versatility and attacking skills. Beale’s salary is estimated to be around AUD 1 million per year.
- Bernard Foley – AUD 900,000 ($681,000)
Bernard Foley is a fly-half who has played for both the New South Wales Waratahs and the Australian national team. He has been a key player for both his club and country and is known for his accurate kicking and playmaking skills. Foley’s salary is estimated to be around AUD 900,000 per year.
- Michael Hooper – AUD 800,000 ($605,000)
Michael Hooper is a flanker who plays for the New South Wales Waratahs and the Australian national team. He has been named the Australian Rugby Union Player of the Year twice and is known for his tenacity and leadership on the field. Hooper’s salary is estimated to be around AUD 800,000 per year.
- Will Genia – AUD 600,000 ($454,000)
Will Genia is a scrum-half who has played for both the Queensland Reds and the Australian national team. He has been a consistent performer for both his club and country and is known for his quick thinking and decision-making skills. Genia’s salary is estimated to be around AUD 600,000 per year.
- Quade Cooper – AUD 600,000 ($454,000)
Quade Cooper is a fly-half who has played for both the Queensland Reds and the Australian national team. He is known for his attacking flair and creativity on the field and has been a fan favourite throughout his career. Cooper’s salary is estimated to be around AUD 600,000 per year.
- Adam Ashley-Cooper – AUD 500,000 ($378,000)
Adam Ashley-Cooper is a centre who has played for both the New South Wales Waratahs and the Australian national team. He has been a consistent performer for both his club and country and is known for his strong running and defensive skills. Ashley-Cooper’s salary is estimated to be around AUD 500,000 per year.
- James Slipper – AUD 500,000 ($378,000)
James Slipper is a loosehead prop who has played for both the Queensland Reds and the Australian national team. He has been a key player for both his club and country and is known for his strength and scrummaging ability. Slipper’s salary is estimated to be around AUD 500,000 per year.
- Samu Kerevi – AUD 500,000 ($378,000)
Samu Kerevi is a centre who has played for both the Queensland Reds and the Australian national team. He is known for his powerful running and ability to break tackles, and has been a key player for both his club and country. Kerevi’s salary is estimated to be around AUD 500,000 per year.
- Dane Haylett-Petty – AUD 500,000 ($378,000)
Dane Haylett-Petty is a fullback who has played for both the Western Force and the Australian national team. He has been a consistent performer for both his club and country and is known for his speed and agility on the field. Haylett-Petty’s salary is estimated to be around AUD 500,000 per year.
These are just a few of the top-paid rugby players in Australia. While the salaries of rugby players in Australia are high, they still lag behind those of players in other major rugby-playing nations such as England, France, and New Zealand.
It is worth noting that the salaries mentioned above are only estimates, and may vary depending on factors such as performance bonuses, sponsorships, and endorsements. Additionally, players may earn additional income from playing in overseas leagues or representing their country in international matches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Australian rugby players are among the highest-paid athletes in the country, with top players earning salaries in the range of AUD 500,000 to AUD 1.1 million per year. While rugby remains a popular sport in Australia, it faces increasing competition from other sports such as soccer, basketball, and Australian rules football. Nonetheless, the high salaries paid to top rugby players in the country demonstrate the importance and value of the sport to the Australian sporting landscape.
FAQ
How much do Australian rugby players get paid on average?
The average salary for Australian rugby players varies depending on their level of experience and performance. On average, a professional rugby player in Australia can earn anywhere between AUD 100,000 to AUD 300,000 per year.
Who are the highest-paid rugby players in Australia?
The highest-paid rugby players in Australia are typically those who have played for the national team and have established themselves as top performers in the sport. Currently, the top 10 highest-paid rugby players in Australia include Michael Hooper, Quade Cooper, Taniela Tupou, Samu Kerevi, and Dane Haylett-Petty.
How do rugby player salaries in Australia compare to those in other countries?
Rugby player salaries in Australia are generally lower than those in other major rugby-playing nations such as England, France, and New Zealand. However, top players in Australia can still earn salaries in the range of AUD 500,000 to AUD 1.1 million per year.
Are there performance bonuses and other incentives for rugby players in Australia?
Yes, many rugby player contracts in Australia include performance bonuses and other incentives such as appearance fees, try-scoring bonuses, and team success bonuses. Additionally, players may earn income from sponsorships and endorsements.
Are rugby players in Australia able to play in overseas leagues?
Yes, many Australian rugby players choose to play in overseas leagues such as the English Premiership or the French Top 14 in order to earn higher salaries and gain international experience. However, players are typically required to have a release clause in their contract in order to do so.
How important is rugby to the Australian sporting landscape?
Rugby remains a popular sport in Australia, and is seen as an important part of the country’s sporting culture. The high salaries paid to top rugby players in the country demonstrate the value of the sport to the Australian economy, as well as the importance of rugby in promoting national pride and identity.