Who We Are

Governing Body · Charity · Limited Company

The Rugby Fives Association (RFA) is the national governing body for the sport of Rugby Fives. The association exists to promote the playing and coaching of Fives at schools, universities and senior level, and throughout the wider community.

The RFA is a registered charity (number 1136872) and a limited company (number 04837244). It is run by a board of directors and officers who oversee the sport's governance, competitions, rankings, and development.

Officers & Directors

Leadership of the Association

Directors: Bernard Atkinson, Chris Burrows, Charlie Brooks, Stuart Kirby, David Parlby, Alex Smith, Dan Tristao, and Tom Webster.

The Deputy President role is to be confirmed.

Governance & Policies

Transparent Administration

The RFA maintains a set of official policies to ensure the sport is governed fairly and transparently. These cover areas such as safeguarding, codes of conduct, and tournament regulations. Full policy documents are available on the Policies page.

The association also operates a Charitable Trust to support the long-term development of Rugby Fives.

The RFA Archive

Preserving the Sport's History

The RFA holds an extensive archive of materials in the care of the Hon Archivist. The collection includes action photographs, histories of Fives at schools, clubs and universities, articles, tributes, profiles, interviews, memoirs, obituaries, General Secretary's reports, records of trophies and plates, poetry and verse, material on Fives abroad, and a map of Fives places around the world.

News reports and results from 1998–2018 are preserved, with earlier material sourced from the old RFA website. For archive enquiries, contact the Hon Archivist.

As the national governing body for Rugby Fives, the association is responsible for overseeing the sport's development from grassroots participation through to elite competition. The organisation works closely with schools, universities, and community clubs to introduce new players to the game and to support existing participants at every level. Through structured coaching programmes, competitive fixtures, and accessible entry pathways, the association ensures that Rugby Fives remains a welcoming and inclusive sport. The board and its officers coordinate rankings, championships, and events across the season, while also maintaining the official records and statistics that track the sport's growth and celebrate its achievements.

Beyond competition, the association is deeply committed to the charitable dimensions of the sport, encouraging participation as a means of promoting physical wellbeing, social connection, and personal development. The organisation operates under a clear governance framework, balancing its responsibilities as both a registered charity and a limited company. This dual structure allows the association to pursue its sporting ambitions while remaining accountable to its members, funders, and the wider public. Policies covering safeguarding, conduct, and fair play are reviewed regularly, and the directors work to ensure that every decision reflects the long-term interests of the sport and its community.

The association maintains a vibrant calendar of tournaments and events throughout the year, drawing players from across the country to compete at venues both traditional and new. National championships, regional fixtures, and invitation events provide opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to test themselves against strong opposition. The organisation also publishes news, rankings, and match reports to keep the community informed and engaged, while its online presence serves as a hub for fixtures, results, and historical archives. Through these efforts, the association continues to promote the playing of Rugby Fives and to secure a bright future for the sport.

Stay Connected

Follow the RFA Online

Follow the Rugby Fives Association on social media for news, results, and updates:

• Facebook: facebook.com/rugbyfives
• Twitter: twitter.com/rugbyfives