Antoine Dupont, the captain of both France and Stade Toulousain, is under contract with Toulouse until 2027. Currently, he is among the highest-paid rugby players globally, earning approximately £700,000 annually.
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In a recent interview, Dupont criticized the Top 14 salary cap regulations, calling them “too invasive” and saying they punish players for the league’s own commercial success. He stated:
“The salary cap rules prevent us from using our individual image through traditional advertising contracts.”
He also accused the National Rugby League (LNR) of overreach in policing player earnings:
“Even within their right of oversight, they are trying to be increasingly invasive by asking us to name all of our partners, even those who are not partners with the club.
“They want to know everything about our assets, so it’s turning into a bit of a witch hunt where they want to expose the cheaters but it’s becoming ridiculous.”
Looking ahead, Dupont’s contract with Toulouse expires in 2027, around the time of the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
While he has not indicated quitting Toulous, his frustration with French salary caps suggests he could explore opportunities abroad after that point.
Japan’s Rugby League One, for example, continues to offer very lucrative deals for top-tier players, sometimes close to €1 million per year.
By then, the R360 could be up and running, giving Dupont the chance to perhaps double his earnings and be the poster-boy for the new competition.
EDITORS PICKS:
Best Rugby Players in the world right now (Ranked 10-1)
Rugby is full of stars, but there is always a group of players who stand above the rest — not just for their skill, but for how they shape the game around them.
These ten are doing exactly that. Whether through raw speed, relentless work ethic, or quiet leadership, each has left a mark on 2025 and the years before that.
There were plenty of contenders and a lot of top talent has had to miss out on this list.
It’s not just about stats — it’s about impact. Here’s a look at the top 10 male players lighting up world rugby right now
10 Will Jordan (New Zealand)
With a strike rate that would make any winger jealous — 43 tries in just 50 Tests — it’s no surprise Will Jordan is being spoken of as one of the world’s best fullbacks. Since his All Blacks debut in 2020, he’s been a constant try-scoring threat and recently celebrated his 50th cap against Australia.
Jordan’s positional sense, timing and speed make him a nightmare for opposition defences. At 27, he’s now entering his prime and still has time to add to his already incredible record.
9 Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
Not many 22-year-olds can say they’ve redefined expectations — but Louis Bielle-Biarrey has. Whether it’s becoming Bordeaux’s all-time leading try scorer or breaking Six Nations records with eight tries in a single campaign, he’s doing things most wings only dream of.
His Champions Cup breakout came at 18, scoring a hat-trick on debut. Last season, he helped Bordeaux reach and win their first European final and was crowned Six Nations Player of the Tournament. Blistering pace and fearless play define him, but he also brings tactical awareness well beyond his years. France — and rugby — have a superstar on their hands.
8 Finn Russell (Scotland)
Despite a demanding club season and the toll of minor injuries, Finn Russell shone during the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, reaffirming his status among rugby’s finest playmakers.
Scotland’s talisman was at the heart of the Lions’ attacking spark — his vision, creativity, and game management setting the tone in the biggest moments. A World Rugby Player of the Year nominee in 2024, Russell has evolved from maverick to master craftsman, blending flair with control to devastating effect.
Whether dazzling for Bath or dictating for Scotland, few can match his ability to shape a game. At his best, he’s not just a fly-half — he’s an artist with a rugby ball.
7 Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
Few players divide opinion like Cheslin Kolbe — but there’s no doubting his ability to turn a game on its head. Critics point to his modest domestic form in Japan, but Kolbe has delivered when it matters most.
A two-time Rugby World Cup winner, he’s scored in finals, dominated Lions tours, and created magic for the Springboks time and again. Whether it’s burning defenders or producing clutch moments under pressure, Kolbe thrives on the big stage. In full flight, he remains one of the most exhilarating sights in world rugby.
6 Damian Penaud (France)
There are few players who exploded onto the European stage quite like Damian Penaud did this year. He tore through defences in the Champions Cup, breaking records with 14 tries — including six in a single game. His performances powered Bordeaux to their first European title, and he was rightly named Champions Cup Player of the Year.
But Penaud isn’t just a try machine. He blends power, agility and timing with an eye for the spectacular. At 29, he’s now a proven match-winner who delivers on the biggest occasions.
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