Big bucks.

The big news this week in Irish Rugby has been Peter O’Mahony and Tadhg Furlong signing new three-year central contract deals, after a number of weeks of speculation.

While some of the top players in England and France are earning as much as €1,000,000-a-season, the wages in Ireland for the top stars aren’t all that bad.

The lads over at SportsJoe have pulled figures for the top earners, and while it’s impossible to get a completely accurate figure on some of the salaries, especially when there’s match fees, bonuses etc. They’re not far off.

We also expect Iain Henderson and CJ Stander to make it into the top 10 should they sign new deals.

Ireland’s Top 10 Earners.

Johnny Sexton – €650,000
There was only one way to get this man back from France, and it was to offer him a damn good contract. While his injury record isn’t the best at the times, there’s no doubting his ability. Alongside Murray he’s formed arguably the best halfback partnership in the world.

Jamie Heaslip – €600,000
Out since March with a back-injury and with no definitive timeline for his return, this could be looked at as bad investment on the IRFU’s part. Even if he was fit, at his age it’s a lot of money. Especially with the likes of Conan and Stander already on the books.

Conor Murray – €550,000
Could probably make double this if he left, he’s that good. The best nine in world rugby, he’s worth every penny, if not more.

Sean O’Brien – €550,000
Another man who’s injury record isn’t the best, but when he’s on form he’s unstoppable.

Peter O’Mahony – €500,000
Played hardball with the IRFU in recent weeks to make sure he got the contract he felt he deserved. Likely to be Ireland’s next captain, so money well spent if you ask us.

Tadhg Furlong – €450,000
The IRFU got off easy here. It’s a gigantic raise on his old deal, but Furlong’s stock is constantly on the rise. The best tighthead in the world right now and coveted by every country and club in the world.

Robbie Henshaw – €450,000
Signed a nice big fat central contract when he moved from Connacht to Leinster, and it was money well spent. A rock in Ireland’s midfield, and still only 24. Will only get better.

Rob Kearney – €450,000
This central deal expires in the summer, and it would be crazy to think he will get something similar. Likely will be demoted to a provincial deal worth a little over half this.

Cian Healy – €400,000
Starting to show the kind of form that earned him this contract a couple of years back. Still strange that Leinster have him and McGrath on huge central contracts, despite being the same position, at the same province.

Rory Best – €400,000
The current Ireland captain’s contract expires in the summer. Will likely sign a deal to bring up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, but perhaps is in line for a wage-cut.

Devin Toner – €400,000
Recently signed a long-term deal, and in fairness has been a pretty consistent performer for both club and country. He does however, now have James Ryan breathing down his neck for club and country. He’ll also have to contend with the arrival of Tadhg Beirne next season to Munster.