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 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…
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…
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
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