The 10 Richest Springboks of All Time

There’s no argument that South Africa have produced some of the greatest players to ever step onto a rugby field. These players have helped the Springboks win four Rugby World Cup titles and numerous international Tests. It’s through this rugby fame that they became global superstars whose careers extend beyond the try line.  

As professional rugby has grown, elite Springboks have signed contracts with teams around the world. These big contracts come with even bigger salaries. Now add in sponsorships, endorsement deals, investments, and business ventures, and it’s no surprise that these players have made it onto this list.  

So, although exact net worths are rarely made public, reported salaries, career earnings, and commercial partnerships help to paint a picture of who has earned what during the professional era. Here’s our ranking of the 10 richest Springboks of all time.  

How We Ranked the Richest Springboks 

Unlike football or basketball, World Rugby doesn’t officially publish salaries. So, for this list we considered: 

• Reported club salaries  

• Career earnings  

• Length of professional career  

• Overseas contracts  

• Sponsorships and endorsements  

• Business ventures  

• Investments 

1. Bryan Habana  

As one of the greatest try scorers the Springboks have ever seen, Bryan Habana tops this list as our richest Springbok. During his career he scored 67 tries in 124 appearances for South Africa. He also played for the Vodacom Bulls, Western Province (DHL Stormers XXIII), and Toulon. In his career peak, he was reported to earn R11 million per year. 

Habana then moved into broadcasting, public speaking, investments, and numerous sponsorship deals. This continuation in the world of rugby after his retirement places him at number one on this list with an estimated net worth of R614 million.  

2. Cheslin Kolbe  

Few players in the modern era of rugby earn what Cheslin Kolbe does. After starting for Toulouse in France, Kolbe signed a contract with Tokyo Sungoliath. This, combined with his sponsorship deals, jumped his estimated annual salary to over R22.4 million.  

This comes as no surprise as he’s scored two of the greatest tries in the professional era. Kolbe is known for his pace, versatility, and ability to dodge defenders with his impressive footwork. He’s also known for his role in the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.  

3. Faf de Klerk  

Playing in Japan’s Rugby League One along with his brand, Faffies, places Faf de Klerk as the 5th highest-earning rugby player in the world and third on this list. His estimated annual salary sits at R21.6 million. However, it’s reported that he took a significant pay decrease moving to the Toyota Cheetahs.  

While de Klerk didn’t make the team lists for both the Nations Championship in July and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, he’s still a high-earning Springbok in our books.  

4. Damian de Allende  

Playing for the Saitama Wild Knights, de Allende is estimated to be earning anywhere between R18.8 million and R21 million per year. His overseas earnings, combined with Springbok bonuses and endorsements, makes him one of the richest Springboks.  

He is known for being a powerful centre and overall standout performer over the last couple of years. So, it’s no surprise that he’s a two-time Rugby World Cup winner.  

5. Malcolm Marx 

Considered to be the best hooker in the world, Malcolm Marx deserves a spot as one of the highest-paid Springboks. He’s a powerful ball carrier and tackler. It’s for this reason that he was awarded the 2025 World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year and the SA Rugby Player of the Year.  

Beyond the Springboks, Marx plays for the Kubota Spears. He’s estimated to be earning between R17.8 million and R20 million a year. This is reportedly the largest contract for any front-row player. So, when accounting for his long career and continued international success, he has earned himself a pretty penny.  

6. Siya Kolisi 

As one of the most recognised rugby players in the world, it’s no surprise that Siya Kolisi is on this list. He’s the highest-paid South African-based player with his contract with the Hollywoodbets Sharks. It’s estimated that he earns R18.6 million a year.  

The Springbok captain has partnered with global brands, launched the Kolisi Foundation, and published a bestselling autobiography. So, while R18.6 million is his annual salary for playing rugby, it’s estimated that this amount is a lot higher when accounting for his business ventures and endorsements.  

7. Eben Etzebeth  

As the most-capped Springbok in history, Eben Etzebeth is a name all South Africans know. He currently plays for the Sharks and earns an estimated R18 million annually. Beyond this, he has several commercial partnerships which push his earnings even higher.  

His influence in the Springboks is undeniable. He’s helped the team win two Rugby World Cups and multiple Rugby Championship titles. His consistency, physicality, and lineout dominance have redefined what it means to be a Springbok.  

8. Pieter-Steph du Toit  

As a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit has one of the highest-value contracts in South Africa. He currently plays for the Toyota Verblitz in Japan. Here, he’s estimated to earn between R15.5 million and R18.8 million per year.  

du Toit is a seasoned Springbok lock who is integral in the nation’s setup. This is especially true as he led the Springboks to three back-to-back victories in the Nations Championship. 

9. Jesse Kriel  

When we think about consistent Springbok players, Jesse Kriel’s name is one of the first to come up. This consistency led him to securing an impressive contract with the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan. He’s estimated to earn between R13.3 million and R16.6 million a year. This, combined with over a decade of being a Springbok and numerous endorsements, means Kriel has accumulated substantial career earnings.  

He’s known for his strong defence, leadership, and versatility. These qualities have earned him over 80 caps for the Springboks. At the same time, it’s made him one of the greatest Springboks of this decade, placing him within the ultimate Springbok XV.  

10. Handré Pollard 

As the second-highest all-time points scorer for the Springboks, it’s no surprise that Handré Pollard features on this list. Pollard currently plays for the Vodacom Bulls. He’s estimated to earn between R13.3 million and R14.4 million a year.  

Pollard has helped the Springboks win two back-to-back Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023. He’s known for his exceptional goal-kicking accuracy and leadership on the field. This exception skill, paired with his private investments and SA Rugby agreements, places him among the top Springbok earners.  

Why Are Modern Springboks Earning More Than Ever? 

Professional rugby has dramatically changed over the last decade. Japanese clubs have become the new frontier for Springbok elites, with many of the players choosing Japan as the next chapter in their rugby careers. These clubs offer multi-million-rand contracts that have transformed the earning potential of South Africa’s rugby stars.  

Springboks don’t only earn based on their club salaries. They also earn income through: 

• SA Rugby player agreements  

• Match fees  

• Performance bonuses  

• Rugby World Cup prize money  

• Sponsorships  

• Brand endorsements  

• Public appearances  

• Investments and business ventures 

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The world of rugby has changed over the last decade. Players are now earning more than ever before. This is thanks to increased viewership, sponsorships, endorsements, business ventures, and, most importantly, lucrative overseas contracts.  

While the exact number of what players are earning remains unknown, estimates can be made. The players on this list are exceptional, both on and off the field. They have made smart career choices that have landed them on the richest Springboks of all time list.  

So, if you’re following the Springboks or the players in the Currie Cup, every match is more exciting when you bet on rugby with bet.co.za.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Who is the richest SA rugby player? 

Bryan Habana is the richest South African rugby player. He has an estimated net worth of around R614 million.  

Which rugby position gets paid the most? 

The fly-half is generally the highest-paid position in rugby union. 

Who is the highest-paid current Springbok? 

Cheslin Kolbe is reported to be the highest-paid Springbok earning R22 million a year. This makes him one of the highest-paid players in the world. 

Which country pays rugby players the most? 

Japan’s Rugby League One offers the highest-paying contracts.