Rugby, a sport known for its physicality, teamwork, and camaraderie, has produced some of the world’s wealthiest athletes. While rugby may not rival the financial powerhouses of soccer or American football, the sport has given rise to a select group of players who have amassed significant fortunes. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 10 richest rugby players, exploring their specific salary, net worth, assets, residences, vehicles, businesses, investments, and sponsorships.
- Jonny Wilkinson
Jonny Wilkinson, a former England international and one of the most celebrated fly-halves in rugby history, has earned a place among the richest rugby players. His salary during his playing days was substantial, thanks to lucrative club contracts and endorsements. Wilkinson’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.
Assets: Wilkinson owns properties in several countries, including France, where he played for Toulon, and his home country, England. He has a home in the picturesque French Riviera. Wilkinson also invests in businesses, which include a successful apparel brand.
Vehicles: While Jonny Wilkinson is not known for flaunting his wealth, he is believed to own luxury vehicles befitting his status.
Businesses: Wilkinson has a successful apparel brand, Fineside, which offers a range of clothing and accessories, reflecting his dedication to fashion and style.
Sponsorships: Over the years, Wilkinson has endorsed brands like Hackett and Land Rover, adding to his income.
- Dan Carter
Dan Carter, often regarded as one of the greatest fly-halves of all time, is another rugby superstar who has built substantial wealth during his illustrious career. Carter’s annual salary from club and national team contracts, as well as endorsements, contributed to his estimated net worth of $15 million.
Assets: Carter, who spent a significant portion of his career with the Crusaders in New Zealand, is likely to have invested in real estate, both in New Zealand and abroad. He also co-owns an Auckland-based gym.
Vehicles: As a brand ambassador for Land Rover, Carter has been known to drive Land Rover vehicles. He also owns a luxurious Audi.
Businesses: Alongside his former teammate and friend, Ali Williams, Carter co-owns a gym in Auckland called 360Fit.
Sponsorships: Carter has had long-standing sponsorships with brands like Land Rover, Adidas, and Jockey, contributing to his earnings.
- Richie McCaw
Richie McCaw, a rugby legend and former captain of the New Zealand All Blacks, is one of the most revered figures in the sport. His playing career earned him a sizeable income, and his estimated net worth is around $15 million.
Assets: McCaw is known to own properties in New Zealand, including a farm in the South Island. He is also involved in agricultural ventures.
Vehicles: Although he maintains a relatively low profile regarding his wealth, McCaw is thought to own luxury vehicles.
Businesses: McCaw has business interests related to agriculture and aviation, with a role in the aviation company, Christchurch Helicopters.
Sponsorships: Throughout his career, McCaw had endorsements with prominent brands such as Adidas, Powerade, and Ford.
- Sonny Bill Williams
Sonny Bill Williams is a unique figure in the rugby world, known for his versatility across both rugby union and rugby league. His star status and success in both codes have translated into significant earnings and a net worth estimated at $12 million.
Assets: Williams has invested in properties, including a home in Sydney, Australia. He is also known for his philanthropic endeavors, and his wealth extends beyond personal assets.
Vehicles: As a figurehead in New Zealand sport, Williams has access to luxury vehicles, though he is not known for showcasing them publicly.
Businesses: In addition to his rugby career, Williams has been involved in professional boxing and has engaged in charitable activities.
Sponsorships: Over the years, Williams has been sponsored by brands like Adidas, Powerade, and Red Bull.
- Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira
Tendai Mtawarira, affectionately known as the “Beast,” is a former South African prop renowned for his powerful scrummaging. His rugby career, endorsements, and post-retirement endeavors have combined to give him an estimated net worth of $10 million.
Assets: Mtawarira owns properties in South Africa, including a home in Durban, where he played for the Sharks in Super Rugby.
Vehicles: He is known to have a collection of vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, which is often seen in his social media posts.
Businesses: Post-retirement, Mtawarira has ventured into business with investments in a security company and a wellness center.
Sponsorships: During his playing career, Mtawarira was sponsored by brands like Land Rover and Adidas, contributing to his income.
- Manu Tuilagi
Manu Tuilagi, the powerful English center with a ferocious running style, has earned a place among the sport’s wealthiest players. His salary, club contracts, and endorsements have led to an estimated net worth of $9 million.
Assets: Tuilagi, who played for Leicester Tigers for a significant part of his career, is likely to have invested in properties, though specific details are relatively private.
Vehicles: While he enjoys a relatively private life, Tuilagi is known to have a collection of luxury vehicles, including a Range Rover.
Businesses: Tuilagi has made investments, but detailed information about his business ventures is not widely available.
Sponsorships: Throughout his career, he has been endorsed by major brands, including Adidas, which significantly contributes to his wealth.
- Owen Farrell
Owen Farrell, the England international and Saracens fly-half, has made a name for himself both on the domestic and international rugby scene. His professional rugby contracts, endorsement deals, and leadership role as captain have contributed to an estimated net worth of $8 million.
Assets: Farrell, as a key figure in Saracens’ success, is likely to have investments in real estate and other assets. However, specific details about his personal wealth remain private.
Vehicles: Though Farrell maintains a low-key public profile, he is known to own luxury vehicles.
Businesses: He has not been involved in high-profile business ventures but focuses on his rugby career and leadership responsibilities.
Sponsorships: Farrell’s endorsements include deals with major brands such as Adidas and BMW, increasing his earnings.
- Maro Itoje
Maro Itoje, one of the rising stars in world rugby, is a versatile forward known for his athleticism and skills. His earnings from club contracts, international rugby, and endorsements have led to an estimated net worth of $7 million.
Assets: While details about his personal assets are not widely publicized, Itoje, as a pivotal figure in Saracens and the England national team, likely has investments.
Vehicles: Itoje is not known for flaunting his wealth but is believed to own luxury vehicles.
Businesses: He has not ventured into high-profile business endeavors and remains focused on his rugby career.
Sponsorships: Itoje has been endorsed by brands such as Adidas and Ray-Ban, enhancing his financial standing.
- Cheslin Kolbe
Cheslin Kolbe, the electrifying South African winger and fullback, has earned recognition and wealth through his standout performances. His salary, endorsements, and contributions to South African rugby have led to an estimated net worth of $6 million.
Assets: Details about Kolbe’s assets are not widely known, but as a key player for both the Springboks and his French club, Toulouse, he is likely to have investments.
Vehicles: Kolbe enjoys a private life and is not known for showcasing luxury vehicles.
Businesses: He has not ventured into high-profile business ventures and remains focused on his rugby career.
Sponsorships: Kolbe’s endorsements include brands like Adidas and Hublot, bolstering his income.
- Leigh Halfpenny
Leigh Halfpenny, the Welsh fullback and goal-kicker known for his accuracy, is among the wealthiest rugby players. His career earnings, club contracts, and endorsements have led to an estimated net worth of $5 million.
Assets: Halfpenny, who has played for various clubs and the Welsh national team, likely has investments in real estate and other assets. However, specific details about his personal wealth are not widely publicized.
Vehicles: He is known to own luxury vehicles, but he maintains a relatively low-profile public image.
Businesses: Halfpenny has not been involved in high-profile business ventures and is primarily dedicated to his rugby career.
Sponsorships: His endorsements include deals with brands such as Under Armour and Mastercard, contributing to his financial stability.
Conclusion
Rugby may not always make headlines for the colossal salaries and endorsements seen in other sports, but these 10 players have demonstrated that elite rugby can still lead to significant wealth. Their earnings from club contracts, international rugby, and endorsements have allowed them to accumulate substantial assets, providing a comfortable lifestyle both during and after their playing careers. As they continue to inspire and set the standard for future generations of rugby players, they also serve as a testament to the lucrative opportunities available in the world of professional rugby.
