Australian sports are scrambling to formalise plans should medical experts advise the shutdown of large public gatherings in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The virus has caused havoc worldwide, forcing competitions in Europe and Asia to either cancel matches or play them in front of empty stands.

There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Canberra, but the Raiders' season-opener on Friday and the ACT Brumbies' derby on Sunday will see many travel from interstate to attend the matches.

A spectator who attended a Melbourne Rebels game last weekend has tested positive to coronavirus, prompting the Rebels to issue a statement on Wednesday.

Rugby Australia has also detailed its policy, saying it will continue to work with SANZAAR to protect fans and players of professional and amateur rugby.

Players, coaches, team personnel and match officials will have their temperature monitored daily and government directives will influence travel.

Rugby Australia chief medical officer Warren McDonald said: "We are being guided by the advice from the authorities and have taken some additional steps with regards to the monitoring of players and staff within our organisations and will continue to communicate the latest developments and make information available to those within our community."

ACT Sport Minister Yvette Berry hopes crowds fill the stands for a Canberra double-header.

"I understand people are scared. This is a new challenge for our country and for this city," Berry said.

"We've had a very difficult summer and having the coronavirus challenges as well, so I understand people might be feeling a bit fearful.

"But Canberra does its best when we're strong and we stick together. That's my message: stick together. We're strong, we're resilient and we're kind and generous to each other.

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"The coronavirus hasn't affected the ACT at the moment. The advice is that we won't be needing to close down any large events, and we'll go on the advice on the experts if that's the case.

"Look after yourself, practice good hygiene ... and if you think you have been exposed or have symptoms, go to your GP."

Super Rugby officials were expected to speak this week about international travel and what would happen if stadiums were closed to the public.

Almost all sporting teams rely on crowd revenue to boost their finances and having to play at empty venues would have a major impact on Canberra's two teams.

"Obviously the economic impact in the ACT is something being considered by the government," Berry said.

"Ministers are meeting regularly talking about what the response will be for sports or communities affected by this.

"We need to just keep carrying on, taking in the advice and if the advice is that we need to go that unfortunate stage of cancelling games or playing in front of empty crowds, we'll take that [on board] from the experts."

The government will turn on for the first time its new $2 million Canberra Stadium investment on Thursday in time for a doubleheader weekend.

A 150 metres squared LED screen has been built at the southern end of Canberra Stadium, giving spectators a much-needed video replay upgrade after decades of having to squint to see the northern screen.

Berry will be in Townsville on Friday and will tour the city's new $300 million stadium as the ACT government weighs up its investment in a new venue.

The government has committed $200,000 to a feasibility study to determine if Civic or Epic is the preferred location for a new stadium.

But uncertainty at the AIS continues to hold up the process, as federal government officials decide how to carve up the 65-hectare land parcel at Bruce and whether they will sell Canberra Stadium.

A Super Rugby spectator at last weekend's Melbourne Rebels game has tested positive for coronavirus.

The man attended AAMI Park in Melbourne on Saturday for the Rebels' fixture against the Lions.

"The gentlemen was seated in section nine and at this stage we are unaware of his exact seating ... due to the withholding of his identity at this point," Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson said in a statement on Wednesday.

"We are taking this matter very seriously and we are working with all relevant stakeholders to determine any potential consequences of his attendance."

Stephenson said Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services described staff and spectators who may have come into contact with the man as "casual contacts".

As such, they are not required to take any action but if they become unwell in the next 14 days they should seek medical attention and be tested for coronavirus. (AAP)