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
Making Rugby Fives Facilities More SustainableRunning a Rugby Fives facility has an environmental footprint that extends beyond the court. Electricity is needed for lighting, heating, ventilation, hot…
Planning a Rugby Fives Road Trip Across the UKA Rugby Fives road trip combines competitive sport, local discovery, and the chance to meet players beyond your home club. Visiting several courts in one…
Why mentorship matters in Rugby Fives coachingRugby Fives is shaped by quick decisions, precise movement, controlled striking, and an ability to read the court before the ball arrives. Coaching these…
How to build a personalised Rugby Fives training scheduleA good Rugby Fives training schedule should reflect your playing level, available court time, physical condition, and competitive aims. A school player…
The Key Moments That Shaped Modern Rugby Fives EquipmentRugby Fives is often described as a sport with very little equipment. A ball, a court and a pair of hands are enough to begin a game. That simplicity, however,…
How to host a Rugby Fives taster session for adultsA well-planned Rugby Fives taster session should make the sport feel accessible from the first few minutes. Adults may arrive with different levels of fitness,…
Finding Balance As A Rugby Fives VolunteerRugby Fives depends on people who give their time beyond the court. Volunteers organise fixtures, welcome new players, maintain equipment, support tournaments,…
Reading An Opponent’s Weaknesses In Rugby FivesA strong Rugby Fives player does more than strike the ball cleanly. They notice how an opponent moves, which shots cause hesitation, and what happens when the…
The Future Of Rugby Fives As A School Sport In The UKRugby Fives has a distinctive place in British sporting history. Played against the walls of a court rather than across a grass pitch, it combines hand skills,…
How to handle nerves before a big Rugby Fives matchNerves are a normal part of preparing for an important Rugby Fives match. They show that the occasion matters, sharpen your awareness, and can provide useful…
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