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
Sharpen Your Anticipation In Rugby FivesAnticipation is the skill that helps a Rugby Fives player arrive early, choose better options, and turn a difficult rally into an attacking chance. It is more…
The university story of Rugby Fives at Oxford and CambridgeRugby Fives has a long association with Britain’s independent schools, universities and traditional court games. Its history at Oxford and Cambridge reflects…
How to organise a Rugby Fives inter-school competitionA Rugby Fives inter-school competition can give students a fresh racquet-free court sport while building links between schools, clubs and local coaches. The…
Recover well after a Rugby Fives matchRugby Fives is played in a compact court, but the movement demands are substantial. Repeated lunges, rapid changes of direction, low defensive positions and…
Safer Footwork for Rugby Fives Players in AustraliaRugby Fives is played at speed, with repeated lunges, short sprints, sudden stops and sharp changes of direction. On an enclosed court, there is little time to…
How Sponsorship Can Grow Rugby Fives In AustraliaRugby Fives has a distinctive offer for sponsors: it is fast, skill-based, accessible across age groups and closely connected with schools, clubs and…
Building A Beginner Rugby Fives Training PlanRugby Fives is a fast, skill-focused court game in which players strike the ball with their hands against a front wall, using angles, movement and anticipation…
The Story of the Oldest Rugby Fives Club in the UKRugby Fives traces its roots back to the nineteenth century, evolving from games played against chapel and school walls across England. The oldest continuously…
How To Start A Rugby Fives Social Media ChallengeA well-designed Rugby Fives challenge can introduce the sport to people who have never seen a court, give existing players a reason to post, and help clubs…
Court etiquette as the backbone of Rugby FivesRugby Fives thrives on traditions that go well beyond the simple act of hitting a ball against four walls. The sport has its roots in the public schools of…
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