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 Best Ways to String a Rugby Fives RacquetRugby Fives does not use a racquet. Players strike the ball with a gloved or protected hand against the walls of a four-sided court, so there are no strings,…
How To Manage A Rugby Fives Match When You’re LosingFalling behind in a Rugby Fives match can make every rally feel urgent. Players often try to recover the score in one spectacular exchange, rush their shots,…
Strength Training For Safer, Stronger Rugby FivesRugby Fives is a fast, demanding court sport in which players react to a low ball, change direction sharply and strike against walls from awkward positions.…
Building a youth outreach programme for Rugby FivesRugby Fives offers young people a fast, social introduction to court sport. Played against a wall with a gloved hand, it develops movement, timing, balance and…
The Social Benefits Of Joining A Rugby Fives ClubJoining a Rugby Fives club offers far more than regular exercise. The game creates a setting where people meet across age groups, learn shared routines and…
How to Prepare for Your First National Rugby Fives CompetitionEntering a national Rugby Fives competition is a significant step, whether you have come through a school programme, a local club, or regular social games. The…
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…
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