Top Springboks, Proteas and Bafana Bafana stars are all paid handsomely.
The Springboks are rugby royalty, and they are rewarded accordingly.
Meanwhile, Proteas stars have quite literally batted and bowled their way to substantial earnings.
Finally, although they have not reached the same heights, Bafana Bafana players are also well compensated.
Let’s break it down and take a closer look at how much the top Springboks, Proteas and Bafana Bafana stars earn.
SPRINGBOKS AT RUGBY’S PINNACLE
The Springboks are currently sitting at the pinnacle of world rugby.
Following back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023, as well as consecutive Rugby Championship titles in 2024 and 2025, Springbok players have become even more valuable assets.
The Player of National Interest (PONI) agreement outlines Springbok Test match earnings and pay-outs.
As reported by The South African, each player selected in the matchday 23 earns approximately R120 000 per Test match.
Meaning, the regulars such as Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Damien de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu were among the highest-paid Springboks last year.
PROTEAS ON DIFFERENT TIERS
The Proteas contracted to the Cricket South Africa (CSA) are all on different contracts.
According to Cricbites, the highest tier players will all earn around $350 000 a season.
“The highest-paid players include Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, David Miller and Temba Bavuma. Each earns around $350 000+ per year from the CSA, not even taking into account franchise and endorsement income,” the publication reported.
That equates to roughly R6 million a season.
BAFANA BAFANA BANK BONUSES PER MATCH
Bafana Bafana stars are paid bonuses according to each international result.
As reported on The South African, South Africa’s national football players are each awarded a R60 000 bonus per victory and R30 000 for a draw.
Meaning, Bafana Bafana players all earned R30 000 in bonuses following their recent 1-1 draw with Panama in Durban.
Unfortunately, South Africa went on to lose the second match in Cape Town 2-1. So, no match-day bonuses were awarded.
It’s unclear what their national salaries are and if they are paid for selection as well.
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