The cash-flush World XV
SPOTLIGHT: Being a World Cup winner has more benefits than just being able to lift a golden trophy.
It allows you to demand a higher paycheque on the international market.
According to a list compiled by the UK-based website, Ruck, on Thursday, three members of the World Cup-winning Springbok team rank as the highest-paid players in their respective positions.
According to the website collectively, the 15 players take home an astonishing salary of £10.8-million-per-year.
Injured Bok flyhalf Handré Pollard (who plays for French club Montpellier) and All Black Charles Piutau are the highest earners – both earning a cool £1-million-per-year.
Bok lock Eben Etzebeth (Toulon) is third on the list, with £900,000.
He is followed by England lock Maro Itoje (Saracens – £825,000) and All Black loose forward Kieran Read (Verblitz – £800,000)
The World’s highest-paid players by position
Fullback: BEAUDEN BARRETT £780k (Goliath)
Wing: CHARLES PIUTAU £1m (Bristol Bears)
Wing: STUART HOGG £550k (Exeter Chiefs)
Centre: VIRIMI VAKATAWA £780k (Racing 92)
Centre: OWEN FARRELL £750k (Saracens)
Flyhalf: HANDRÉ POLLARD £1m (Montpellier)
Scrumhalf: FRANCOIS DE KLERK £600k (Sale Sharks)
Number eight: KIERAN READ £800,000 (Verblitz)
Openside flank: Michael Hooper £750,000 (Verblitz)
Blindside flank: STEVE LUATUA £650k (Bristol Bears)
Lock: MARO ITOJE £825k (Saracens)
Lock: EBEN ETZEBETH £900k (Toulon)
Tighthead prop: TADHG FURLONG £480k (Leinster)
Hooker: GUILHEM GUIRADO £500 (Montpellier)
Loosehead prop: MAKO VUNIPOLA £450k (Saracens)
Source: ruck.co.uk
