England 2025/26

[Ragey Erasmus]

Yeah there was a lot of talk about him having a resurgence at Toulon but I didn't see it the (admittedly few) times I saw him play for them

Maybe he kicked the ball once or twice and got Borthwicks attention that way?

 

[Welsh Exile]

I disagree, that comes from pocket watching football (or American sports) - there just isn't the money in the sport to pay even what players are earning now, realistically
How many clubs turn a profit? Globally?

Japan (clubs bankrolled by billion dollar companies) and France (how many turn a profit? 3?) have inflated salaries a ton and everyone's trying to play catchup way beyond their means

I agree and you’re right to say the money isn’t there but really rugby players don’t get paid anywhere near enough for what they put there body through. £150k pa and if you’re really lucky you get a 10 year career and then you’re on your own.

As I say you’re right but in an ideal world they should be on a mil or 2 a year. They deserve it more than footballers that’s for sure, £500k pw to prance around.

 

[Reiser99]

I agree and you’re right to say the money isn’t there but really rugby players don’t get paid anywhere near enough for what they put there body through. £150k pa and if you’re really lucky you get a 10 year career and then you’re on your own.

As I say you’re right but in an ideal world they should be on a mil or 2 a year. They deserve it more than footballers that’s for sure, £500k pw to prance around.

So according to chat. Average worker earns roughly £1.7 million in their working life if they earn £37,000 per year on average. (Just a rough example)

To earn a similar amount over 12 years a rugby player needs to earn 140,000 to 150,000. Now I know they put their body through a lot, but there are many other difficult and dangerous jobs too. 500,000 feels excessive just in terms of jobs, but then I think sports are extremely overpaid anyway. Also, there are other careers afterwards. The issue is not being able to continue earning, but maintaining a lifestyle they are accustomed to without the same level of income. That is the only real difference. Most people continue to earn more as they get older, where as that's usually not an option for athletes.

 

[Crash Hamster]

Also. front-loading your highest earning years is a distinct advantage *if you're sensible.*

Having the cash to invest early means a far more secure middle/old age.

I hope that clubs/players' unions advise appropriately and not in a 'go into partnership with the club owner in this interesting venture' sort of way.