Ranking of the wealthiest rugby clubs worldwide in the year 2025
In the world of rugby, financial might often correlates with on-field success. Here's a look at the top 10 richest clubs in Europe, as well as some of the standout achievements from each team.
Toulon and Toulouse Lead the Pack
Toulon and Toulouse are two French powerhouses that dominate the financial landscape of European rugby. Both clubs boast an approximate annual budget of over 32 million euros, driven by strong performance leading to high matchday revenue, lucrative sponsorships, and significant television income.
Toulouse's longstanding success has aided revenue via matchday earnings, sponsorships, and TV deals, while Toulon's roster includes stars like Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, and Cheslin Kolbe.
Racing 92 and Big Spending
Racing 92 is another French club known for its financial muscle. The club has shown its commitment with high player salaries, as demonstrated by offering the highest world rugby player salary to Owen Farrell (~£1.2 million).
Bath, Suntory Sungoliath, and Top Talent
Clubs like Bath and Suntory Sungoliath are also highlighted for their ability to lure top players with large salaries, implying healthy financial backing through sponsorships and growing league interest.
Clermont Auvergne, Leicester Tigers, and Stade Francais: Finances Undisclosed
Specific budgets for Clermont Auvergne, Leicester Tigers, and Stade Francais are not provided, though they are among the top richest clubs by virtue of their competitive success and market size.
Other Notable Clubs and Their Achievements
- Stade Francais, with a rich history, has provided many famous players and British & Irish Lions captains.
- Stade Toulousain, founded in 1907, is one of the best rugby clubs in Europe.
- Montpellier has brought in and developed a number of strong players, such as Paul Willemse, Anthony Bouthier, Paolo Garbisi, and Cobus Reinach.
- Union Bordeaux Bégles (UBB) was created in 2006 and has a history of success.
- LOU Rugby has developed and attracted a strong squad with players like Félix Lambey, Baptiste Couilloud, and Ethan Dumortier contributing to their recent rise.
- Wasps used to play in London but now play in Coventry at the Coventry Building Society Arena, which can hold more than 32,000 people.
- Leicester Tigers, known as "the Tigers," are one of England's most successful rugby clubs, having won 21 major titles since 1979.
- GGL Stadium (previously Altrad Stadium) can hold more than 15,000 people and is the home ground of Montpellier.
- Stade Chaban-Delmas, which can hold about 34,000 people for rugby games, is the home ground of UBB.
- Matmut Stadium Gerland, with a capacity of approximately 35,000, is the home ground of LOU Rugby.
- Stade Ernest Wallon, which can hold about 19,500 people, is the home ground of Toulouse.
- Welford Road Stadium, home to Leicester Tigers, is the UK's largest purpose-built club rugby ground, seating 25,849.
While the exact financial details for several clubs remain undisclosed, it's clear that these teams have the resources to attract top talent and compete at the highest level.
- The financial backing of clubs like Racing 92, Bath, Suntory Sungoliath, and other notable teams enables them to attract top talent in sports, showcased by high player salaries and growing league interest.
- Despite not having their exact financial details disclosed, clubs such as Clermont Auvergne, Leicester Tigers, Stade Francais, Union Bordeaux Bégles, LOU Rugby, Wasps, Montpellier, and Toulouse demonstrate significant resources, allowing them to compete at the highest level in sports.
