It can be revealed the Rebels will use the capital as a temporary base before their clash against the ACT Brumbies on July 4. Their location beyond that is yet to be determined.

A spike in COVID-19 cases in Melbourne prompted Rugby Australia officials to look at all options for the Rebels in case travel restrictions between states were enforced.

All Rebels players and staff were tested for coronavirus on Monday and returned negative results. All states have agreed to Rugby Australia's return to play protocols, but the increase in positive cases in Victoria could lead to a change.

Cross-code rivals the Melbourne Storm have relocated to Sydney to avoid NRL issues and the Rebels could consider a similar move.

It's understood ACT Health has been informed of the relocation and agreed to the team arriving in Canberra early. The Rebels will be told on Thursday what will be required of their players and staff to adhere to ACT regulations. Super Rugby players are already in a training "bubble", and it's likely the Rebels will have minimal contact with the public.

"This is undoubtedly a very fluid situation and we are committed to keeping our people safe and healthy in accordance with government advice and regulations. At the same time, we will do all that we can to ensure the successful delivery of the Super Rugby AU competition," said Rebels boss Baden Stephenson.

"We've been in constructive dialogue with Rugby AU, SANZAAR and RUPA for the last 24 hours and we have all agreed that decisive action is required.

"There are a lot of Australians far worse off than us in these challenging times and we are still grateful for the opportunity to return to play and hopefully make our fans proud."

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman is still to give the final tick of approval for protocols and processes ahead of the first live sporting fixtures in Canberra since March 15.

Coleman has agreed to allow crowds of up to 1500 people to attend the Brumbies-Rebels contest and the Canberra Raiders' match against the St George-Illawarra Dragons on July 3.

"This competition was always going to throw up some curve balls and I think the teams that have the ability to adjust on the run will be successful," Stephenson said.

"We aren't changing our performance expectations at all. We have a very tight team and are looking forward to preparing and spending some time together on the road."

Where fans sit, how many seats are between them and collecting contact details of everyone in attendance has delayed the final clearance needed before opening ballots for club members.

The Brumbies and Raiders have been eagerly awaiting Coleman's directions with just nine days before the NRL's Canberra homecoming.It's understood fans may need to agree to terms and conditions of entry and no bags will be allowed into the venue to minimise the checks needed at entry points.

MORE CANBERRA SPORT

Fans won't be able to sit in groups to adhere with social distancing regulations, with the exception of allowing children aged 12 years and under to sit with a parent or guardian.

The Brumbies reached out to members on Wednesday night to start their ballot process, with full-season members giving priority access to tickets.