James O'Connor is just one of the players who could be inline for a cash windfall if the Wallabies win the World Cup © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: James O'Connor

Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup

Teams: Australia

Australia's leading players can expect to earn a A$110,000 (£72,800) bonus each if they win a record third Rugby World Cup.

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) have announced, in connection with the country's Rugby Union Players' Association, the performance related bonuses for the forthcoming World Cup. Unlike 2007, the players will not receive a bonus for reaching the semi-final stage but will be rewarded heavily if they qualify for the final.

As part of the deal, the players will receive a lower match fee of A$10,000 (£6,600) for the pool games, reduced from A$13,000 (£8,600) four years ago. The squad will receive a match fee of $11,000 for knockout matches at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and will pocket A$25,000 (£16,500) should they make the title-decider. If the Wallabies go on and win the final then they will receive an additional A$85,000 (£56,200). The Australian squad failed to pick up a tournament bonus in 2007 as they failed to progress past the quarter-finals stage.

"We believe this agreement gives the players an opportunity to be well and deservedly rewarded if they achieve the ultimate and return from New Zealand as Rugby World Cup champions," said ARU Managing Director and CEO John O'Neill.

"Winning the Rugby World Cup would have enormous flow on benefits for the game in this country, so it is only fair the players have an opportunity to receive a tangible benefit if they reach the highest achievement level our game offers. ARU also acknowledges that this exciting group of players is prepared to back itself and reduce match payments to maximise their incentives should they win the tournament."