The Biggest Deals in Rugby History: From Dan Carter to Finn Russell
The Biggest Deals in Rugby History: From Dan Carter to Finn Russell
From Dan Carter to Cheslin Kolbe, the biggest contracts and transfer fees in rugby history set the stage for Ardie Savea’s possible record deal.
The business of rugby has changed dramatically in the professional era, with a handful of transfers setting financial records.
Dan Carter’s 2015 move to Racing 92 was the sport’s first true “galáctico” contract, earning the All Blacks fly half a reported €1.5 million per season (about $1.65 million). His arrival opened the floodgates.
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Charles Piutau shocked the Premiership when he signed with Bristol in 2017 on a salary believed to exceed £1 million (about $1.27 million), setting a new benchmark for non-Test rugby earnings. Finn Russell’s 2023 deal with Bath carried a similar price tag, while Owen Farrell’s 2024 move to Racing 92 briefly placed him among rugby’s highest-paid players at £1.2 million (about $1.52 million).
Transfer fees have also soared. Cheslin Kolbe’s 2021 switch from Toulouse to Toulon required a record €1.8 million buyout (about $1.98 million). Siya Kolisi’s 2023 move from the Sharks to Racing 92 included a release fee of nearly 17 million rand (about $935,000).
Together, these deals have reshaped expectations for rugby’s elite players and paved the way for future megadeals, such as the rumored pursuit of Ardie Savea.
All-Time Biggest Rugby Contracts and Transfers
Richest player contracts (annual)
- Dan Carter → Racing 92 (2015): €1.5m (≈ $1.65m)
- Charles Piutau → Bristol (2017): £1m (≈ $1.27m)
- Finn Russell → Bath (2023): £1m (≈ $1.27m)
- Owen Farrell → Racing 92 (2024): £1.2m (≈ $1.52m)
Record transfer fees (one-time buyouts)
- Cheslin Kolbe → Toulon from Toulouse (2021): €1.8m (≈ $1.98m)
- Siya Kolisi → Racing 92 from Sharks (2023): R17m (≈ $935k)
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