Springbok talisman Cheslin Kolbe recently completed a high-profile move from Toulouse to Top 14 rivals Toulon on a deal that makes him the fourth highest-paid rugby player on the planet.

Kolbe was unveiled by Toulon last week after a four-year stay at Toulouse ended with a Top 14 and European double. According to Ruck.co.uk’s list of the top-earning rugby players for the 2021-22 season, the 27-year-old ranks fourth.

Kolbe marvels at golden path that led to Toulon

Bok flyhalf Handre Pollard, who is at French club Montpellier, and former All Blacks wing Charles Piutau, who plays for the Bristol Bears in England, both receive an annual salary of around R20-million.

Etzebeth is the next on the list with an estimated R18-million contract at Toulon. In July, the 28-year-old Bok lock signed a new three-year deal that will see him remain at the French club until June 2023.

Kolbe and Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell complete the top five with salaries of around R17-million each. Kolbe recently signed for Toulon after they bought out his contract with Toulouse, while Russell plays for Racing 92 in Paris.

England lock Maro Itoje comes in at sixth, with a salary of around R16-million, followed closely by Suntory Sungoliath’s Beauden Barrett and Racing 92’s Virimi Vakatawa (R15.7-million each).

Completing the top 10 are Wallabies captain Michael Hooper and England skipper Owen Farrell with an estimated income of R15-million each at Toyota Verblitz and Saracens respectively.

Highest paid players:

1= Handre Pollard (R20-million, Montpellier)
1= Charles Piutau (R20-million, Bristol Bears)
3 Eben Etzebeth (R18-million, Toulon)
4= Cheslin Kolbe (R17-million, Toulon)
4= Finn Russell (R17-million, Racing 92)
6 Maro Itoje (R16-million, Saracens)
7= Beauden Barrett (R15.7-million, Suntory Sungoliath)
7= Virimi Vakatawa (R15.7-million, Racing 92)
8= Michael Hooper (R15-million, Toyota Verblitz)
8= Owen Farrell (R15-million, Saracens)

Photo: Getty Images