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
How to Play Rugby Fives Well in Cold WeatherCold conditions change Rugby Fives in subtle ways. The ball can feel firmer, the court may be slippery, and stiff fingers can turn a reliable strike into a…
Choosing the right footwear for Rugby FivesRugby Fives is played at speed, with players accelerating, stopping, turning and striking the ball from close to the walls. Your shoes therefore need to…
Rest Days That Build Better Rugby Fives PlayersRugby Fives demands quick reactions, repeated acceleration and precise hand-eye coordination in a confined court. Players lunge, pivot, reach for low balls and…
Planning a Junior Rugby Fives Camp in AustraliaA junior Rugby Fives holiday camp can give children an energetic introduction to a fast, skilful court sport while helping clubs, schools and families build a…
Exploring the Origins of Rugby School’s Fives CourtsRugby Fives is one of Britain’s distinctive wall-ball sports, shaped by the grounds, habits and traditions of Rugby School in Warwickshire. Its court may look…
The Role of a Club Welfare Officer in Rugby FivesA club welfare officer helps make Rugby Fives a safe, respectful and welcoming activity for everyone involved. The role covers children, teenagers, adults,…
How to maintain Rugby Fives courts: a seasonal checklistA well-maintained Rugby Fives court gives players a consistent bounce, reliable grip and a safer place to train and compete. Regular care also protects the…
The Best Core Exercises for Rugby Fives PowerRugby Fives is played in a confined court where every movement has purpose. Players accelerate, stop, lunge, rotate, reach and recover while striking a ball…
A beginner’s guide to rugby fives hand positioningRugby Fives is a fast, skillful wall game in which small changes in hand position can affect control, pace, height, and direction. Beginners often focus on…
How to set up a school Rugby Fives leagueA school Rugby Fives league gives pupils a regular reason to practise, compete and support one another. The sport needs little equipment, can be played…
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
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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