And despite originally planning to press ahead with Saturday's provincial grand final between Wodonga and North Albury, Cricket Albury-Wodonga has also succumbed to the coronavirus by abandoning the match.

The decision means Wodonga will be awarded the premiership after finishing higher on the ladder.

The football leagues were advised by AFL Victoria and AFLNSW/ACT officials on Tuesday they would be part of a nation-wide footballing blanket ban.

Several clubs have already cancelled practice matches and indicated they will stop training to give themselves time to assess the situation.

The competitions will play shortened seasons if the situation improves.

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Ovens and Murray general manager Sean Barrett said testing times were ahead.

"We will work with both AFL Victoria and AFL North East Border and the clubs to ensure the sustainability through what's going to be a difficult time," Barrett said.

CAW board member Heath Naughton said the competition was left with no choice.

"The directive came through from Cricket Australia that all cricket is to cease," he said.

"We got told to cancel a game of sport, there's far more important things like people who might be struggling or businesses."

Hume league president Brendan I'Anson said the competition would hold a board meeting next week.

"We will work on coming up with a Plan B by rejigging the draws on the assumption we will start on May 31," he said.

"We will work with the netball and do the best we can for our clubs, sponsors and supporters in general.

"It's going to be tough for everybody."

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Meanwhile, Albury Thunder and all other Group Nine Rugby League clubs have been told to stop training sessions.

It is expected NSW Rugby League will announce plans to combat the coronavirus crisis on Wednesday, but in the meantime all clubs across the state have been asked to stop team training.

All events involving more than three clubs and 500 people have also been cancelled.

Bowls Australia issued a recommendation that all bowls events be suspended immediately.

"This advice is related to any pennant competition, championships, tournaments and other club events and is aimed at safeguarding the health of the sport's members, participants, employees, volunteers and officials, many of whom are typically from demographics that are particularly susceptible to the effects of the virus," the Bowls Australia statement said.

Southern Inland Rugby Union's senior and junior competition have been postponed until May 2 as agreed by Rugby Australia.

Australia's richest footrace, the Stawell Gift, scheduled for Easter Monday, has also been called off but could run later in the year.

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