While the world's top rugby players don't earn much compared to other sports, it's clear that the top Springboks certainly earn quite a bit.
Highest paid Springbok
We investigate the current highest-paid players and reveal the highest-paid Springboks.
Also read: Springboks' first opponent as world champions
5 Eben Ezebeth
The exact salary the Sharks are paying Eben Ezebeth has not been disclosed, but it is understood to be slightly less than what he was earning in France.
Also read: Siya Kolisi and Jurgen Klopp train together
The acquisition of Ezebeth is a big deal for the Sharks, and he is by far the biggest star on their roster. His annual salary is said to be between R14 million and R17 million.
Also read: Springboks have big hooker problem
4 Siya Kolisi
There is a salary cap in the top 14, but several top players left the club shortly before Siya Kolisi arrived and there is no reason to suggest he will be any less than one of the club's top earners.
Kolisi will earn between R18 million and R20 million per season for competing in Racing 92.
3 Faf de Klerk
De Klerk, who is based in Japan, is also raking in funds.
Also read: Why the Springboks prefer playing in Japan
De Klerk spent five seasons with Sale Sharks in the English Premiership.
He has been paired with Japan national team flyhalf Yu Tamura at club level, but some have questioned his decision to play in the top flight.
Springboks top earner
2 Handre Pollard
His contract with Leicester Tigers made him at one point the highest-paid rugby player in the world.
According to the latest numbers, Pollard will earn about $14.2 million directly from the Tigers.
1 Cheslyn Kolbe
Cheslin Kolbe has made headlines after reportedly refusing a R15 million contract with the Stormers.
Kolbe later dismissed that figure and revealed he was prepared to take a significant pay cut to return to the Stormers.
Kolbe instead accepted a huge contract to go to Japan with Suntory Goliath, saying he would be paid more than R20 million per season.
Scotland's Finn Russell's new contract with Bath makes him the highest-paid player in the world.
There are suggestions that Siya Kolisi's deal with Racing 92 could put him in a similar position.
