The Brumbies playing group gathered at the club's headquarters at Griffith yesterday less than a day after they were told of Mackay's death in a Durban hospital.

While players were too distraught to speak publicly yesterday, chief executive Andrew Fagan said some had begun discussing ways the club could honour Mackay, a popular first-year player.

''In conversations with the players it was felt that a minute's applause would be a more appropriate reflection of Shawn's character and the positive impact he had on everyone,'' Mr Fagan said.

Mackay's shock death has affected rugby supporters around the world, particularly in Australia and South Africa.

News and rugby websites were flooded with messages of condolence for the 26-year-old's family, his girlfriend Trish and the Brumbies organisation.

Half a dozen memorial groups were set up on social networking site Facebook. The largest had several thousand members by late yesterday afternoon.

A Durban radio station, East Coast Radio, had also passed on to Canberra station 2CC a selection of the several hundred phone messages of condolence it had received since Mackay's death.

Mr Fagan said the Brumbies had received countless messages of support already as well as many suggestions for ways the club could honour Mackay, who played two matches for the Brumbies. The players will wear black armbands on Saturday night.

Mr Fagan said the club would take its time and would consult Mackay's family before deciding on lasting tributes.

One proposal, which has been championed on a South African rugby website, was for the Brumbies and Sharks to play for a perpetual Shawn Mackay Cup.

''Make it a cup of hope, one where everyone is reminded to, live life to the fullest. God Bless the Mackay family and the Brumbies during this trying time,'' one online forum member wrote.

The South African Rugby Union said a moment's silence would be observed before South African rugby matches at the weekend as a mark of respect to the former Australian Sevens team captain.

South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins said, ''To lose a son in such a random way while he was in the prime of his life and pursuing his dream makes it even more cruel.''

The Brumbies' South African opponents for Saturday's game, the Stormers from Cape Town, arrive in Canberra on Friday after losing to the NSW Waratahs last weekend.