Rugby's rich list
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Dan Carter's move to French giants Racing Metro is set to make him rugby's richest man, but who else is in the Top 10?
1. Dan Carter, Racing Metro: £1 million
The legendary New Zealand flyhalf will become the world's highest-paid player after agreeing to join big-spending Racing Métro following next year's World Cup.
Carter is set to earn over £1 million a season when he makes his way to France after retiring from the All Blacks and leaving the Crusaders.
One of the world's best players, Carter has spent time in France before with Perpignan from 2008-2009, but he only made five appearances due to an Achilles injury.
2. Matt Giteau, Toulon: £700,000
Following interest from Racing Métro, Giteau instead signed a lucrative new contract worth £700,000 a season at Toulon in September 2014.
The former Wallaby back has recieved a new lease on rugby life with the French champions after being disgarded by the Australian team.
Despite not being selected for the Australian World Cup squad in 2011, he could not join Toulon until mid-November, as he was still under contract with the Australian Rugby Union through the World Cup.
3. Leigh Halfpenny, Toulon: £600,000
Halfpenny left Cardiff Blues in January 2014 after agreeing a record deal with Toulon that saw him become the highest-paid Welshman of all time.
There was some controversy as Halfpenny was struck with injury and could not participate in the first few matches of the season, this led to CEO Mourad Boudjellal threatening to dump the Welshman.
The fullback has become a key part of Toloun's campaign however with his deadly accurate boot racking up plenty of points.
4. Sam Burgess, Bath: £500,000
The League star agreed a switch of codes in February 2014 after Bath agreed to pay £500,000 to release the Englishman from South Sydney.
Burgess follows a long list of code-hoppers to Union with the biggest being his bitter League rival, New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams.
Burgess is still yet undecided on what position he should play with Bath head coach Mike Ford utilizing him in the centres but also admitting that he is suited for the back row.
5. Jonathan Sexton, Racing Métro: £494,000
The Racing Métro fly-half is the highest-paid Irishman and though plying his trade in the Top 14, will return to Leinster at the end of the season.
Sexton has decided to return to Ireland and Leinster after there was much discussion on whether he would remain in France or not.
In the end, the influential flyhalf decided to return to the club he spent eight years at after only two years with the big spending Parisian side.
6. Bryan Habana, Toulon: £474,600
Following spells at Golden Lions, Bulls and Stormers the powerful wing settled at Toulon where he earns almost £500,000 a year.
The Sprinbok's top try scorer is still heavily involved in the South African set up and is bound to play a major role in the upcoming World Cup in England.
Habana's contract is set to expire next year but the wing is looking at extending his contract in France.
7. Morgan Parra, Clermont-Auvergne: £436,000
Parra, the Clermont-Auvergne scrumhalf, is the highest-paid French player in the world and remains a darling to the French media and public.
With the ability to play both scrumhalf and flyhalf in the traditional French mould he is a major asset to any team.
An influential player in the French national squad it is unsurprising that the diminutive player is so highly regarded in his homeland.
8. Thierry Dusautoir, Toulouse: £408,120
Now in the twilight of his career, the 33-year-old flank has been linked with a move to Leicester – where he can expect to take a pay cut.
Dusautoir captained France to the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final against the hosts New Zealand, in which he scored France's only try he also received the Man of the Match award.
He was named the 2011 IRB International Player of the Year, thus becoming the second player from France to win the award after former captain Fabien Galthié in 2002.
9. Bakkies Botha, Toulon: £389,000
The Springboks hardman signed a huge deal with Toulon in 2011, though the high-spending Top 14 club has since handed out more lucrative deals.
Having retired from International rugby in November, Botha stated he would complete the season in France and potential return to South Africa to end his career with a Currie Cup side.
However, the lock has also suggested he may remain with Toulon through the World Cup to help out with the international exodus for the tournament.
10. Jamie Roberts, Racing Métro: £380,000
Though earning a tidy sum of money at Racing Métro, the centre is rumoured to be heading back to Wales where he is expected to rejoin Cardiff Blues.
The sizable Welsh centre is an important compnant of a destructive midfield for the national team and seems to be following his countryman Dan Lydiate in returning to his home region.
Having played for Cardiff Blues in the Pro12, he announced in July 2013 that he had signed for Racing Métro in the French Top 14.
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