The Women's Game were informed in January the Super W players were not being paid but this had not been confirmed until yesterday when Rugby Union Players' Association spoke about the situation.

They are concerned the competition has been "fast-tracked" and adequate pay for players was not prioritised. 

However, this is a running theme in women's sport. 

It was not until last season the W-League achieved minimum pay for all players as until the 2017/18 season some players have said they were not paid by their club.

It was only in January this year the Wallaroos, Australia's National Women's team, would be paid approximately $1,000 for any Tests they play under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). 

Prior to the CBA, the Wallaroos had been considered amateur and did not receive match payments.

The recent CBA saw the Super Rugby salary cap increase from $5 million to $5.5 million and will benefit from extra annual leave.

At the same time, pay parity between women’s and men’s sevens and Super Rugby starters was achieved.

While the top level salaries will have disparity, the entry level salary has been mandated across the formats, as $44,500.

Rugby Union Players Association CEO Ross Xenos said that talks with Rugby Australia were trying to address pay and compensation issues before the competition kicks off.

CEO of the ARU, Raelene Castle said other aspects of the professional tournament had been sorted.

"When any competition starts the most important thing is that athletes get the level of professional coaching and sports science that they deserve as athletes playing in a competition of this level, so we have guaranteed to deliver those things, so I think that's a really important start," Castle said.