🏉 How much does a rugby player make?
In the U.S., most amateur players earn $0 from rugby; a full-time MLR player is estimated at $20,000–$30,000 a year, and top stars about $45,000.
Most players are amateurs or company employees, while full-time contracts and international fame can bring much higher pay.
US Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Most amateur club players (rugby income) | $0 | Amateur club play; rugby income |
| Full-time MLR players | $20,000–$30,000 | MLR salary estimate |
| Top MLR stars (reported estimate) | $45,000 | Reported MLR top-pay estimate |
Per month and per day
| Who | Per month | Per day (÷365) |
|---|---|---|
| Most amateur club players (rugby income) | $0 | $0 |
| Full-time MLR players | $1,667–$2,500 | $55–$82 |
| Top MLR stars (reported estimate) | $3,750 | $123 |
Where does the money come from?
- MLR team salary: A 2022 report said salaries for some MLR players reached $45,000 for the season. Source
- Housing support: Some MLR teams have added housing stipends and other benefits to player contracts. Source
- National-team fees: USA Rugby's financial statements list match fees and player per diem and stipends for national-team programs. Source
How do you become a rugby player?
In the United States, start with a local youth or high-school rugby club, then build your skills through high school and college. To aim for Major League Rugby (MLR), meet the college draft rules and seek selection and a contract with a team.
- Join a local youth rugby club.
- Practice and play with a high-school rugby club.
- Continue playing rugby on a college team.
- Register for the MLR draft if you meet its rules.
- Earn a team selection and sign an MLR contract.
Qualifications and exams
The official MLR draft rules list no general player license or exam. Draft players must attend a U.S. or Canadian college, play college rugby that year, and have completed three college years or be at least 21.
A day as a rugby player
On a training day, players warm up, work on strength or speed, and practice rugby skills and team plays. They finish with recovery work. Near game day, training gets lighter before the team plays.
Common questions
Do adult club rugby players get paid?
In the United States, senior club rugby is amateur. Most amateur club players earn $0 from playing rugby. Source
Can an MLR team help with housing?
Some MLR teams have added housing stipends and other benefits to contracts. This has not been the same for every player or team. Source
Do U.S. national-team players get match fees?
USA Rugby's financial statements list match fees and player per diem and stipends under national-team program expenses. They do not show each player's amount. Source
Is MLR pay steady all year?
A 2023 report quoted MLR players worrying about where their next paycheck would come from near the end of the season. It does not establish guaranteed year-round pay. Source
This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.
Close jobs in official statistics
In Japan
Japan Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Most amateur players (rugby income) | $0 | Amateur club play; rugby income |
| League One company-employee players | $33,333–$66,667 | JobQ estimate for company-employee players |
| League One pro-contract players (estimate) | $66,667–$133,333 | JobQ estimate for pro players; individual top salaries are not officially published |
Related questions
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Data table and sources
- www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/athletes-and-sports-competitors.htm
- www.e-stat.go.jp/statistics/00450091
- usaclub.rugby/
- www.rugbydome.com/how-much-do-mlr-rugby-players-earn
- www.usayhs.rugby/get-into-rugby
- www.majorleague.rugby/college-draft
- usaclub.rugby/eligibility/eligibility-faq
- usa.rugby/news/women-s-game-upping-its-fitness-prowess
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9924541
- www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jun/06/major-league-rugby-players-union-owners