Overhead flat-lay photograph of a worn leather Rugby Fives glove resting on a dark wooden court floor, with a hand-stitched ball nearby; deep browns, burgundy shadows, and warm cream highlights evoke a vintage sporting atmosphere.
A circular emblem featuring crossed hands in silhouette against a maroon and gold shield, surrounded by the words Rugby Fives Association.

Rugby Fives Association

The governing body for Rugby Fives — promoting play, coaching and competition across the UK

A rectangular sponsor logo in muted gold and cream tones on a transparent background. A square partner badge in deep maroon with cream lettering. A horizontal sponsor wordmark in warm tan and ivory.

News

TitleDateExcerpt
Building a Rugby Fives club social media strategyRugby Fives has a passionate following across the UK, but clubs looking to grow their membership often overlook the power of a well-planned digital presence.…
The History of Women’s Rugby Fives in the United KingdomWomen’s Rugby Fives has developed from a largely school-based pastime into a recognised part of Britain’s court-sport tradition. Its story follows wider…
How to write a grant application for Rugby Fives equipmentA strong grant application for Rugby Fives equipment does more than list balls, gloves, shoes or court supplies. It explains how the equipment will remove a…
Sharpen Your Rugby Fives BackhandA dependable backhand gives you time, accuracy and options when the ball reaches your weaker side. In Rugby Fives, the best response is rarely a desperate…
Building a junior Rugby Fives programme in AustraliaRugby Fives is a fast, adaptable wall game that can give young Australians a fresh alternative to mainstream school and club sports. It develops movement,…
Why Rugby Fives Builds Fitness Without Punishing Your JointsRugby Fives is often recognised for its quick rallies, sharp angles and demanding footwork. Played against four walls with a gloved hand, it creates a lively…
Rugby Fives Scoring Explained For New SpectatorsRugby Fives can look fast and confusing when you first watch it. Players strike a small ball against a front wall with their hands, use the side walls to…
How to Organise a Rugby Fives League for Local ClubsA well-run Rugby Fives league gives local clubs regular competition, a reason to recruit new players, and a social rhythm that keeps the sport active between…
The Future Of Rugby Fives In Primary SchoolsRugby Fives has a strong opportunity to become a familiar part of primary school sport in Australia. The game is energetic, inexpensive to play once a suitable…
Volunteering as a Rugby Fives Coach in Your CommunityRugby Fives is a distinctive hand-ball sport with a loyal following that stretches well beyond its traditional English roots. In Australia, the game has carved…
A close-up photograph of a player's hand striking a small leather ball against a cream-coloured court wall, motion blur conveying speed; warm natural light from above.

What is Fives?

A handball sport with deep roots

Rugby Fives is a fast, skilful handball game played in an enclosed court with walls. It takes its name from Rugby School, where the modern game developed. The RFA provides resources and an introductory video for newcomers eager to understand the rules and spirit of the sport.

Discover the game
A wide-angle photograph of a row of Rugby Fives courts at a traditional British school, with ivy-covered brick walls and cream court surfaces under soft overcast daylight.

Where to Play

Courts across the country

Rugby Fives is played at schools, universities and clubs throughout the UK. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or picking up a glove for the first time, the RFA can help connect you with local venues and fellow players.

Find a court
A panoramic photograph of a tournament in progress across multiple courts, with players in white kit moving against cream walls; warm ambient light and a sense of quiet concentration.
An overhead flat-lay photograph of a handwritten tournament draw sheet on cream paper, with a fountain pen, a leather-bound record book, and a pair of well-worn gloves arranged neatly.

Rankings

Tracking the best in the game

The RFA maintains official player rankings, including a dedicated Women's rankings list and end-of-season standings. A comprehensive record book of tournament winners stretches back to 1925, preserving nearly a century of competitive history.

View rankings
A photograph of a fixture board on a cream-painted wall, with neatly handwritten match cards pinned in rows; soft shadows and warm indirect light.

Fixtures & Tournaments

The competitive calendar

The RFA calendar includes championships, open tournaments, and school and university matches. Major events have included the National Open Singles, the South West Open, the London Open, the Scottish Open, and the Owers Trophy — alongside representative fixtures against schools and clubs.

See fixtures
A photograph of a shelf of leather-bound archive volumes and photograph albums in maroon and tan, with a brass lamp casting warm light across the spines.

Archive

Nearly a century of history

The RFA archive, cared for by Hon Archivist David Barnes, holds news reports and results from 1998–2018, action photographs, school and club histories, articles, tributes, obituaries, and a map of Fives places around the world. Earlier material is drawn from the former RFA website.

Explore the archive
A wide photograph of a packed gallery at a Rugby Fives tournament, with spectators lining the court balcony; warm cream walls and maroon accents in the crowd.

Get in Touch