The Highest-Paid Players in the French Top 14 Rugby League – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
The Top 14 remains one of the most competitive rugby leagues, attracting top talent with lucrative contracts. While the league may not match the financial power of other global competitions, it continues to offer some of the sport’s highest salaries. We have ranked the best-paid players in the Top 14 from lowest to highest.
12. Adam Coleman – £8,173 per week / £425,000 per year
Adam Coleman, the towering Australian lock, is a key player for Bordeaux Bègles. His powerful presence in the second row makes him a crucial figure, both in set-pieces and open play. His salary reflects his importance to the club’s forward pack.
11. Emmanuel Meafou – £8,173 per week / £425,000 per year
Emmanuel Meafou has developed into one of the most dominant locks in the league. Playing for Toulouse, his sheer physicality and defensive strength make him a key asset. His contract ensures he remains one of the best-paid forwards in France.
10. Paul Willemse – £8,173 per week / £425,000 per year
A cornerstone of Montpellier’s forward pack, Paul Willemse has proven himself as a key enforcer. The French international is known for his hard-hitting tackles and relentless work rate, securing him a well-earned place among the league’s top earners.
9. Matthieu Jalibert – £9,808 per week / £510,000 per year
Matthieu Jalibert is one of the brightest playmakers in the Top 14. The Bordeaux fly-half is known for his attacking creativity, sharp decision-making, and precise kicking. His contract places him among the highest-paid French players in the competition.
8. Will Skelton – £9,808 per week / £510,000 per year
Will Skelton has been a dominant force for La Rochelle, helping lead the team to European success. His immense size and strength make him a nightmare for opposition forwards, and his salary reflects his value to the club.
7. Dan Biggar – £9,808 per week / £510,000 per year
A veteran fly-half with vast international experience, Dan Biggar is a key figure for Toulon. Known for his composure, tactical awareness, and reliable goal-kicking, he remains one of the highest-paid players in the league.
6. Grégory Alldritt – £9,808 per week / £510,000 per year
One of the most influential back-row players in France, Grégory Alldritt is a leader for La Rochelle. His powerful ball-carrying ability and leadership qualities have made him an essential figure for both club and country.
5. Antoine Dupont – £11,442 per week / £595,000 per year
Widely regarded as the best scrum-half in the world, Antoine Dupont is the star of Toulouse. His quick thinking, athleticism, and leadership make him a crucial part of both club and national team success. His salary places him comfortably among the highest-paid players in France.
4. Charles Ollivon – £13,894 per week / £722,500 per year
The captain of the French national team and a key figure at Toulon, Charles Ollivon is one of the most well-respected flankers in world rugby. His leadership, physicality, and work rate make him an indispensable part of both his club and the national team.
3. Gaël Fickou – £14,712 per week / £765,000 per year
A dynamic and versatile center, Gaël Fickou has been a crucial asset for Racing 92. His defensive solidity, attacking prowess, and leadership qualities make him one of the highest-paid backs in the league.
2. Maro Itoje – £13,077 per week / £680,000 per year
One of the most dominant locks in world rugby, Maro Itoje has brought his defensive mastery to Racing 92. His ability to disrupt opposition attacks, steal lineouts, and dominate at the breakdown has made him a key signing for the Parisian club.
1. Owen Farrell – £17,981 per week / £935,000 per year
England’s captain and one of the best fly-halves in the world, Owen Farrell made a high-profile move to Racing 92. His tactical intelligence, precise kicking, and defensive resilience make him one of the most influential players in the Top 14.
