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 Women’s Participation Has Shaped Rugby FivesRugby Fives has developed from a traditional school and club game into a broader national sport with room for players of every background. Women and girls have…
How to Use a Practice Wall for Solo Rugby Fives TrainingA practice wall can turn a quiet corner of a sports centre, school, or club into a useful Rugby Fives training space. With one player, one ball, and a clear…
Court Etiquette That Strengthens Rugby FivesRugby Fives is a fast, skilful game built around movement, anticipation, and close competition. Because players share a compact court and rely on quick…
How to transport and store your Rugby Fives equipment properlyGood equipment care helps Rugby Fives players arrive ready for training, protect shared resources, and extend the useful life of essential kit. A ball that has…
How Rugby Fives Develops Mental FocusRugby Fives is a fast, compact wall game in which players use their hands to strike a ball against a court wall. The sport demands accurate movement, quick…
How to Create a Junior Rugby Fives Academy from ScratchCreating a junior Rugby Fives academy is an opportunity to give children a lively, social introduction to one of the UK’s most distinctive court sports. A…
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.…
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