The Competitive Season
A year-round calendar
The Rugby Fives Association oversees a full programme of tournaments and representative fixtures throughout the season. Events range from national open championships to regional tournaments, school and university competitions, and traditional representative matches that bring together the best players from across the country.
Major Tournaments
Flagship events on the RFA calendar
| Event | Typical Timing | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| National Open Singles & Jesters Club Cup | December | St Paul's School |
| South West Open | July | Blundell's School |
| South East Open | August | Horsham |
| London Open | September | Alleyn's School |
| Scottish Open | — | Scotland |
| The Owers Trophy | October | St Paul's School |
| Yorkshire Open Championships | October | — |
| North of England Open | February | Durham University |
| National U25s Championships | February | Oundle School |
| National BUSF Championships | November | St Paul's School |
| Ladies Winchester Fives Singles & Doubles | March | Malvern College |
| Ladies Under 23 Championships | November | St Paul's School |
| The Lady's Cup | October | Cambridge University |
| Colquhoun Trophy | November | Sherborne School |
| Midlands Schools Regional Tournament | February | Bedford |
This table reflects events recorded during recent seasons. For the latest fixture dates and entry information, please check with the relevant tournament organiser or contact the RFA.
Representative Matches
Tradition and rivalry
The calendar also features long-standing representative fixtures, including the Oxford versus Cambridge match and RFA representative sides taking on schools, universities, and clubs. These contests are a cherished part of the Rugby Fives tradition.
- Oxford v. Cambridge — held at St Paul's School (February)
- RFA vs. schools, universities, and club sides — scheduled throughout the season
Staying Informed
Never miss a fixture
For the most up-to-date fixture list, tournament entry details, and any late changes to the calendar, visit the Rankings page for competitive context or contact the RFA directly. The Association also publishes updates via its social media channels.
The Rugby Fives Association coordinates a vibrant competitive calendar that runs throughout the year, ensuring that players of every standard have opportunities to test themselves against others. From the opening fixtures in the autumn through to the concluding events of the summer, the season is structured to offer variety in both format and venue. Players move between singles and doubles competitions, mixed events, and age-group championships, each bringing its own tactical demands and traditions. Whether competing at a national level or enjoying more local and regional encounters, participants find a welcoming yet challenging environment that celebrates the sport's distinctive character and rich heritage.
Flagship tournaments occupy a central place in the RFA calendar, drawing entrants from schools, universities, and clubs across the country. These major events are anticipated by the playing community and often produce some of the most memorable matches of the season. Spectators and competitors alike look forward to the drama of closely fought finals and the emergence of new talent challenging established names. The organisation of these championships reflects careful planning and a commitment to maintaining high standards, with venues carefully selected to provide excellent facilities and a fitting stage for the country's finest exponents of the game.
Beyond the headline competitions, the association runs a series of regional open tournaments that allow players to compete closer to home while still encountering a broad range of opponents. These events are particularly valuable for those newer to competitive fives, offering a more accessible route into tournament play. They also serve as important stepping stones, helping players build experience and confidence before progressing to larger national events. The regional structure ensures that the sport remains vibrant across all parts of the country, with each event developing its own character and loyal following among regular attendees.
Representative fixtures form another essential strand of the season's programme, bringing together selected players to represent their regions, schools, or the association itself. These matches carry a special significance, blending competitive intensity with a sense of occasion and tradition. They also provide valuable opportunities for younger players to gain experience alongside more seasoned performers, fostering the development of the next generation. The friendships and rivalries forged through these encounters contribute significantly to the close-knit nature of the fives community and help sustain enthusiasm for the game across all age groups.
The association's commitment to junior and school competitions ensures that the future of the sport remains secure. A structured programme of school tournaments and age-group championships introduces young players to competitive fives in a supportive and encouraging setting. Teachers and coaches play a vital role in nurturing interest and skill, while the association provides resources and guidance to assist their efforts. Through these initiatives, new players discover the joys of the game, develop lasting skills, and often continue playing well into adulthood, carrying forward the traditions and values that have sustained Rugby Fives for generations.