Springboks vs Bafana vs Proteas – South Africa’s top athletes put in incredible performances on the field, but how do their match fees compare? Rugby, football, and cricket are the nation’s most popular sports, but the earnings of the Springboks, Bafana Bafana, and Proteas reveal a major financial gap. Here’s how Springboks vs Bafana vs Proteas salaries stack up.
Who Takes Home the Biggest Paycheck?
Springboks players are handsomely compensated for their efforts on the field, as revealed in the breakdown of SA Rugby’s contributions to Players of National Interest (PONI). The South African Rugby Industry Collective Agreement (2024-2027) provides insight into player earnings and the percentage covered by the South African Rugby Union (SARU).
Top Springbok players based locally are among the highest earners in South African sport, with some earning nearly R1 million per month. However, their earnings still lag behind certain Proteas stars who secure lucrative contracts in international leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL).
How Rugby Salaries Compare to Cricket and Football
Heinrich Klaasen, a hard-hitting Proteas batter, was one of the most expensive signings in IPL history before being surpassed by Rishabh Pant. Sunrisers Hyderabad invested R48 million to retain him, highlighting the massive financial opportunities in cricket. Similarly, Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was highly sought after, fetching nearly R22 million at an IPL auction.
Domestically, cricketers without Cricket South Africa (CSA) contracts earn a maximum of R1.3 million per year, which is significantly lower than what Springboks and top-tier footballers earn. In the Betway Premiership, top players command salaries exceeding R600,000 per month, supplemented by match fees and win bonuses.
Springboks vs Bafana vs Proteas – Springboks Lead Match Fees
While all three sports offer competitive salaries, Springboks match fees show a clear disparity.
- A Springbok in the matchday squad earns just under R120,000 per Test match. Win bonuses range between R25,000 and R50,000, depending on the opposition.
- Non-playing squad members still receive around R60,000 per match.
- In contrast, Bafana Bafana players in 2023 earned R60,000 for a win and R30,000 for a draw.
- Proteas cricketers earn approximately R82,000 per Test match, R22,000 per One-Day International, and R15,000 per T20 match, excluding win bonuses.
Also Read: Whistle to Wealth: How Much Do Rugby Referees Earn in South Africa?
The Springboks undeniably lead the way in matchday earnings among South Africa’s national teams. While cricket offers significant financial rewards through international leagues like the IPL, rugby players benefit from strong local contracts and SARU support. Meanwhile, footballers in the Betway Premiership also enjoy substantial earnings, making South African sport a competitive industry for top athletes.
