PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 21: Handre Pollard of South Africa kicks their side’s third and winning penalty during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and South Africa at Stade de France on October 21, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
Pollard: How much is the Springbok star earning?
Handre Pollard ranks among the top earners in Premiership Rugby, showcasing the growing influence of South African players in the league.
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 21: Handre Pollard of South Africa kicks their side’s third and winning penalty during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and South Africa at Stade de France on October 21, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
South African rugby star Handre Pollard is making waves in the English Premiership, not only with his impressive on-field performances but also with his substantial salary.
The two-time Springbok world champion, who currently plays for the Leicester Tigers, ranks among the highest-paid players in the league, according to the latest salary cap report.
Pollard’s inclusion in this elite group of top earners is a testament to his value and impact on the Leicester Tigers’ squad. His ability to control the game, coupled with his accurate goal-kicking, has made him an indispensable asset to any team.
Flyhalves Dominate Premiership Rugby Salaries
The report reveals that flyhalves are the top earners in the Premiership, with an average annual income of £217 761 (R5 million). Pollard finds himself in good company, alongside former England captain Owen Farrell of Saracens and Bath’s Finn Russell, who also command hefty salaries.
In contrast, scrumhalves find themselves at the bottom of the pay scale, with an average salary of £121 104 (R2.8m), marking an 8.66% decrease from the previous season. Only 3% of scrumhalves earn more than £350 000 (R8.2m) annually.
Centres Trail Behind Flyhalves in Compensation
The disparity in compensation across positions is evident, with centres earning an average of £40 000 (R940k) less than flyhalves. This gap highlights the premium placed on the playmaking role and the value clubs assign to top tier flyhalves like Pollard.
The difference in earnings between positions is a clear indication of the importance clubs place on certain roles within the team. Pollard’s status as one of the highest-paid players in the league underscores his value to the Leicester Tigers and his impact on the team’s performance.
Clubs Prioritise Academy Investments Amid Salary Cap Reduction
Despite the overall decrease in senior squad expenditure, Premiership clubs have shifted their focus to investing in their academies. This strategic move has resulted in a £3m reduction in total spending compared to the previous season.
The average player salary across the league has also declined from £187 545 to £182 866 (R4.2m), as clubs adhere to the reduced £5m salary cap for the second year in a row.
This adjustment has forced clubs to be more strategic in their spending, with a greater emphasis on developing young talent through their academy systems.
Pollard’s Earnings Reflect Growing South African Influence
While the exact figure of Pollard’s salary remains undisclosed, his inclusion among the Premiership’s top earners is a testament to his value and impact on the Leicester Tigers’ squad. The South African’s ability to control the game, coupled with his accurate goal-kicking, has made him an integral part of the team’s success.
As the Premiership continues to navigate the financial challenges posed by the salary cap, it is clear that clubs are willing to invest heavily in key positions, such as flyhalf, to maintain a competitive edge.
Handre Pollard’s substantial earnings reflect not only his individual talent but also the growing influence of South African players in the English top-flight.
