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
From School Courts to National FinalsRugby Fives has a distinctive place in British sporting history. Played against a four-sided court, with a gloved hand replacing a racket, the game developed…
Choosing The Right Equipment For Rugby Fives BeginnersRugby Fives is often grouped with squash, handball, and other indoor court games, so newcomers sometimes assume that a racquet or racket is part of the…
Doubles Tactics That Win More Rugby Fives RalliesRugby Fives doubles is a game of space, timing and trust. Two players share a compact court, yet every shot can alter the shape of the rally. The best pairs do…
How to Organise a Charity Rugby Fives Marathon EventA charity Rugby Fives marathon can turn a demanding sporting challenge into a memorable day of competition, community, and fundraising. Players may compete…
Cross-training benefits for Rugby Fives athletesRugby Fives demands much more than quick hands. Players must react instantly, move efficiently around a confined court, strike accurately from difficult…
Building Confidence In Young Rugby Fives PlayersConfidence in a young Rugby Fives player grows through repeated experiences of feeling capable, supported, and included. It is built in small moments:…
How Rugby Fives Differs From Other Court SportsRugby Fives is a fast, physical wall game played with the hands rather than a racket. It shares features with squash, racquetball, handball and tennis, yet its…
Teaching Reliable Serves in Rugby FivesA serve is the first complete skill a new Rugby Fives player can learn. It gives them control of the opening exchange, establishes a rhythm before rallies…
Building a stronger future for Rugby Fives clubsRugby Fives clubs depend on more than enthusiasm and regular participation. Court maintenance, equipment, insurance, coaching, competition entry, travel,…
How to Write a Match Report for Your Local Rugby Fives ClubA well-written Rugby Fives match report does more than record a score. It captures the rhythm of the contest, recognises the players who contributed, and gives…
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