R22 million-man Cheslin Kolbe is one of four Springboks who rank among rugby’s top ten highest-paid players.
Having helped the Springboks retain the World Cup in France, Kolbe took the opportunity to start a new chapter of his career with a move to Japan’s Suntory Sungoliath.
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According to WalesOnline, the 30-year-old winger is on a contract worth £937,000 (R21,9 million), making him the second-highest-paid player in the world, behind Scotland’s Finn Russell, who currently earns over £1 million at Bath.
Kolbe is not the only Springbok on a big contract in Japan, as Faf de Klerk closely follows him on a salary of £900,000 (R21,1 million) at Canon Eagles, having joined the club before the World Cup.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi was released early from his contract at the Sharks to allow him to make the move to Racing 92, and he reportedly earns £850,000 (R19,9 million), putting him fourth on the list.
Handre Pollard, who left Montpellier to move to England with the Leicester Tigers in 2022, reportedly turning down a move to Japan in the process, closes off the list on a salary of £610,000 (R14,3 million).
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