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

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News

TitleDateExcerpt
The History of Rugby Fives in ScotlandRugby Fives is a handball game played against the walls of a purpose-built court, usually by singles or doubles teams. It developed at Rugby School in England…
Shadow Practice for Sharper Rugby Fives StrokesShadow practice is a simple way to improve Rugby Fives technique without needing a partner, a ball or a fully booked court. You rehearse the movements of a…
Why Footwork Matters in Rugby FivesRugby Fives is often described through its hand skills: the clean strike, the sharp return, and the ability to read the ball as it rebounds from the walls. Yet…
How to host a Rugby Fives skills clinic for coachesA well-run Rugby Fives skills clinic gives coaches practical methods they can use immediately with players of different ages and abilities. It should feel…
How playing surfaces shape Rugby FivesRugby Fives is a fast, close-quarters wall game in which the court becomes part of the contest. Players use gloved hands to strike the ball against the front…
How to Develop Left-Hand Control in Rugby FivesA dependable left hand can change the way you defend, build rallies and create space in Rugby Fives. Players who usually favour their right hand often treat…
The unsung heroes of Rugby Fives: club secretariesA Rugby Fives club can look effortless from the outside. Players arrive, courts are ready, fixtures appear on the calendar, and results reach the right people.…
Building a Mini Rugby Fives Court for Australian SchoolsRugby Fives is a fast, low-contact wall game that can fit neatly into a school’s physical education program. Players use their hands to strike a small ball…
Tactical defences against a hard hitter in Rugby FivesA powerful opponent can make Rugby Fives feel like a contest of reflexes, yet raw pace is only dangerous when it controls the rally. A hard hitter wants a…
How to Clean and Grip Your Rugby Fives RacquetRugby Fives is played with the hands against a four-sided court wall, so standard Rugby Fives does not use a racquet. Players rely on a suitable glove, clean…
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
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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