Top players set for big paydays in World 12s tournament

Planet Rugby

Organisers of a proposed World 12s tournament have revealed that star players could earn more than £250,000 during the three-week period that the competition takes place.

The tournament, which has been described as rugby’s version of cricket’s Indian Premier League, is set to launch in August 2022 and details of the financial payments to players, who participate in the tournament, have now been released.

Plans still on track

Although World Rugby refused to sanction the 12-a-side competition, organisers are pushing ahead with plans to stage the event.

Eight franchises will be made up of squads of 24 and each will have to operate within the overall salary cap of £2.15million assigned for year one.

While the average pay will be £90,000, players are allowed to select their own base rate for the auction that will take place next spring, with leading internationals potentially earning above £250,000.

The top three teams at the end of the 12-aside event will win a share of £1million prize money.

Conor Murray hails ‘unique force’ Johnny Sexton

Meanwhile, Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray has praised long-time team-mate Johnny Sexton as the fly-half prepares to earn his 100th cap for his country.

The Leinster playmaker is set to start against Japan and become just the seventh Irish player to reach a century of appearances.

Sexton has achieved some remarkable things in a green jersey, helping them to Six Nations titles, a Grand Slam success and two wins over the All Blacks.

As well as his excellent all-around game, it is the 36-year-old’s relentless drive which particularly stands out, as Murray discovered early on in their relationship during the 2011 World Cup.