Springboks dominate list of five highest paid players in the world
Cheslin Kolbe’s transfer from Toulouse to Toulon last week sent shockwaves through the rugby world and could be a landmark moment in the game.
Toulon reportedly bought World Cup winner out of his contract for a fee of €1.8m (£1.5m), making it the most expensive transfer of all time. He will arrive in the French Riviera in December once his duties with the Springboks have ended.
However, that is not the only record that he broke, as he also has become the highest paid rugby player in the world as well. ‘Brugby Montages’ recently shared a video of the five highest paid players, with Kolbe topping the list, alongside highlights of each player to provide an indication as to why teams are willing to pay such hefty sums for them.
Kolbe is also joined on the list by his Springboks and soon to be Toulon teammate Eben Etzebeth. Like Toulon, Bristol Bears also have two players in the top five, Fiji’s Semi Radradra and former All Black Charles Piutau. Another world champion, Montpellier’s Handré Pollard, also makes the list.
This is a reflection of how in demand South African players are currently, with three Springboks fresh from their series win over the British & Irish Lions making the list. Jacques Nienaber’s side are ranked number one in the world, and that is shown by the wages that their players can demand.
