So how much is Charles Piutau actually going to be paid at Bristol?

Various reports this morning have speculated on how much Charles Piutau is going to be paid in one season’s time after his shock move to monied Championship side Bristol was announced last night.

Most media outlets are suggesting he will at least become the best paid player in the Premiership, although that is dependent on two things – that Bristol bounce back up into the Premiership and also what future deal England secondrow ace Maro Itoje strikes with Saracens in 2019.

Some reports have him becoming the highest paid player in the world.

When Piutau signed for Ulster Rugby last year at £600,000 per annum he became the best paid back-three player in the world.

The Belfast Telegraph are reporting that he will earn £900,000 per season over two years.

However Gavin Mairs in the Telegraph in the UK is reporting that he will earn £1 million and will become the best paid player in the world.

Dan Carter’s deal with Racing 92 has been widely reported as €1.2 millon euro, which works out at approximately £1.09 million a season.

However that deal will expire by the time Piutau actually starts at Bristol, and it is unlikely what will be a 36-year-old Carter will be able to command such a sum again – and that’s presuming he doesn’t hang up his boots after his current deal expires.

Maro Itoje could yet beat both their records. It is widely expected that Itoje will be paid at least £1million when his contract is renewed in 2019.

Piutau will be joining at least two other players earning in excess of half a million pounds per year. Future teammates Ian Madigan and Steven Luatua are both reported to be earning in excess of £600,000.

Commenting on his next move, Piutau said:

“It was a very hard decision as I have really enjoyed my first year at Ulster. The welcome that I had and the way I have been looked after has been the best of any club I’ve been at. The management and players really made me feel part of the family and that will make it extremely hard to leave when the time comes.

“The biggest consideration in my decision to join Bristol is the opportunity to play with my brother Siale, as he approaches the end of his career. It will also be great to work with Steven Luatua and Pat Lam again.