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 rise of women’s Rugby Fives in the UKWomen’s Rugby Fives is becoming an increasingly visible part of the UK sporting landscape. More women and girls are discovering the speed, skill and tactical…
Five Key Mobility Drills Every Rugby Fives Player Should MasterRugby Fives is played in a confined court, where balance, rapid changes of direction and accurate hand contact matter on every rally. A player may lunge…
Serve-and-Volley Tactics for Rugby Fives PlayersRugby Fives rewards players who can change from defence to attack in a single movement. The serve begins that process, but the real tactical opportunity comes…
How to Write a Rugby Fives Community Grant ProposalA strong grant proposal for a Rugby Fives community project turns a good idea into a clear case for investment. Funders need to see who will benefit, what…
Finding the Right Rhythm in Rugby FivesMusic can add energy, structure, and character to sport, yet Rugby Fives presents a distinctive acoustic environment. Played in an enclosed court with a hard…
How to Rebound From a Rugby Fives InjuryRugby Fives is a fast, demanding wall game that combines repeated lunges, sharp changes of direction, explosive reactions and precise hand contact. Those…
How Rugby Fives Can Support Children With ADHDThe benefits of playing Rugby Fives for children with ADHD can reach well beyond physical fitness. This fast, wall-based sport asks players to move, observe,…
How to Host a Rugby Fives Exhibition MatchAn exhibition match gives Rugby Fives clubs, schools, and community groups a way to showcase the sport beyond a standard fixture. It can introduce newcomers to…
The qualities that make a great Rugby Fives coachA successful Rugby Fives coach does far more than explain how to strike a ball. They help players understand space, timing, movement and partnership while…
Planning a successful Rugby Fives season for your local clubA well-planned Rugby Fives season gives players something to work towards, helps volunteers share responsibility, and makes the club easier to join. The best…
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