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 Referee’s Role In Rugby FivesA Rugby Fives referee is responsible for much more than announcing the score. The official protects the flow of the game, applies the laws consistently, and…
How to recover after a gruelling Rugby Fives tournamentA Rugby Fives tournament can place unusual demands on the body. Players may complete several matches in one day, repeatedly sprinting, lunging, twisting and…
Fueling performance on the Rugby Fives courtRugby Fives is a fast, technical court sport that asks athletes to accelerate, stop, lunge, reach and recover repeatedly. Matches can feel deceptively short,…
A practical guide to a Rugby Fives club friendlyAn inter-club Rugby Fives friendly is a straightforward way to give players meaningful match practice, welcome newcomers and strengthen relationships between…
How Court Lighting Shapes Rugby Fives PerformanceRugby Fives is a fast, enclosed-court sport in which players depend on sharp reactions, accurate hand-eye coordination and constant movement. The ball can…
How to Build a Rugby Fives Practice Wall at HomeA home practice wall can make Rugby Fives easier to fit into everyday life. You do not need a complete court to sharpen hand skills, movement, timing and…
How to Spectate Rugby Fives With Respect and ConfidenceRugby Fives is a fast, skilful court sport in which players strike a ball against walls with their hands. A match can look simple from the outside, yet every…
The Benefits Of Rugby Fives For Older AdultsRugby Fives is a fast, indoor wall-ball game played with the hands rather than a bat or racquet. Players strike a small ball against the walls of a court,…
Starting a Rugby Fives Club at Your Australian WorkplaceA workplace Rugby Fives club can turn a quiet lunch break into a regular fixture for exercise, social connection and friendly competition. The sport is fast to…
Mastering the lob shot in Rugby FivesA well-played lob shot can change the shape of a Rugby Fives rally in an instant. Instead of driving the ball hard and flat, the player sends it high towards…
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
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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
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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