How much do the Springboks earn? Match fees explained
Springboks pocket over R155,000 for a single Test win, but their real earnings after bonuses and oversea deals will shock you.
From match fees and win bonuses to lucrative overseas contracts, here’s a breakdown of what South Africa’s rugby stars take home per Test match and why it remains one of the most rewarding careers in South African sport.
I was at Twickenham last weekend watching South Africa dismantle Argentina, and whilst handing over £8 for a pint, it occurred to me: what are the players actually earning for putting their bodies on the line out there?
Being a Springbok comes with serious financial rewards. Players selected for the matchday squad earn R118,197.93 (£5,253) per Test match, an amount fully funded by the South African Rugby Union (SARU).
This figure comes from the SA Rugby Industry Collective Agreement covering the period 2024 to 2027.
However, that’s just the base match fee. Win bonuses add between R25,000 and R50,000 (£1,111 to £2,222) depending on the opposition, meaning a Springbok could pocket close to R170,000 (£7,556) for a single victorious Test match.
These amounts exclude the substantial salaries players earn from their club contracts and lucrative sponsorship deals.
Even players who don’t make the matchday 23 are well compensated.
Non-playing squad members earn R59,539 (£2,646) per week, or around R8,505.57 (£378) per day, simply for being part of the training camp.
The Autumn Tour Payday
For South African expats planning to watch the Boks in Europe this November, there’s added incentive for the players.
The Springboks face five Tests during their autumn tour: Japan at Wembley on 1 November, France on 8 November, Italy on 15 November, Ireland on 22 November, and Wales on 29 November.
| Earnings Breakdown | Per Match | Five Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Base match fee | R118,197.93 (£5,253) | R590,989.65 (£26,266) |
| Win bonus (average) | R37,500 (£1,667) | R187,500 (£8,333) |
| Total potential earnings | R155,697.93 (£6,920) | R778,489.65 (£34,599) |
If a player features in all five matches and the Boks achieve a clean sweep, that’s nearly R780,000 as a Christmas bonus for 400 minutes of rugby.
Beyond international match fees, elite Springboks playing overseas can earn between R20 million and R32 million (£889,000 to £1.42 million) annually through club contracts.
Players like Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, Faf de Klerk, and Eben Etzebeth command some of the highest salaries in world rugby.
For domestic players, a URC franchise player earns a minimum salary of R39,575 (£1,759) per month.
The financial structure ensures that representing South Africa at rugby’s highest level remains one of the most rewarding careers in the sport.