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
Mastering the drop shot in Rugby FivesThe drop shot is one of the most delicate attacking skills in Rugby Fives. Played well, it changes the pace of a rally, draws an opponent away from a…
Organising a Club Social Around a Rugby Fives MatchA club social built around a Rugby Fives match can do much more than fill an evening in the calendar. It can welcome new players, help existing members form…
The Growing Appeal Of Rugby Fives For Older AdultsRugby Fives is finding a new audience among seniors and older adults who want a sport that combines movement, skill, social contact, and friendly competition.…
How to Play Rugby Fives Safely in Hot WeatherRugby Fives is a fast, demanding game played in a compact court, where rallies can build intensity quickly. Warm conditions add another layer of difficulty.…
The Best Warm-Down Stretches for Rugby Fives PlayersRugby Fives demands repeated bursts of speed, sudden stops, low defensive positions and powerful reaches towards four walls. A match can leave the calves,…
Building a Culture of Appreciation in Rugby FivesRugby Fives depends on people who give their time without expecting payment. Volunteers organise fixtures, prepare courts, coach beginners, manage…
The History Of Rugby Fives At Your Local ClubEvery Rugby Fives court has a story. Its walls have witnessed school matches, club championships, first fixtures, friendly games, coaching sessions and…
How to Incorporate Plyometrics into Rugby Fives TrainingRugby Fives demands repeated bursts of speed, rapid changes of direction, balance under pressure, and the ability to recover quickly between hard efforts.…
The Psychology Behind Rugby Fives ComebacksA Rugby Fives match can change direction in a handful of rallies. A player who has been under pressure may find a new angle, force a hurried return, or regain…
How to fundraise for a new Rugby Fives court in your communityA new Rugby Fives court can become much more than a sports facility. It can give local children a place to learn, help existing players stay active, create a…
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
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