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 Lasting Legacy of Rugby Fives in British Public SchoolsRugby Fives occupies a distinctive place in the history of British school sport. Played with the hands against the walls of a purpose-built court, it demands…
How to host a Rugby Fives tournament on a budgetA Rugby Fives tournament does not need a large commercial venue, expensive branding, or a full-time events team. With careful planning, a club, school, or…
How Rugby Fives Connects With Other Racket SportsRugby Fives may be played with the hands rather than a racket, yet it belongs to the same broad family of fast court games. Players read angles, control pace,…
How to Volunteer as a Rugby Fives OfficialVolunteering as a Rugby Fives official is a practical way to support matches, meet people across the sport, and develop a deeper understanding of the game.…
How Rugby Fives Courts Have Changed Over TimeA Rugby Fives court can look simple: four walls, a hard floor, and a marked target on the front wall. Yet its proportions and surfaces shape every part of the…
How To Keep Rugby Fives Fun Through Every SeasonRugby Fives is at its best when players feel eager to step onto court, test a new shot, and enjoy the rhythm of a competitive game. Progress matters, but…
The best Rugby Fives podcasts and blogs to followRugby Fives has a distinctive story, a close-knit playing community, and a calendar that rewards regular attention. For newcomers, podcasts and blogs can…
How Rugby Fives Builds Stronger Corporate TeamsCorporate team building works best when people have a shared challenge, clear goals, and enough space to communicate naturally. Rugby Fives offers all three in…
The Most Common Rugby Fives Injuries and Their PreventionRugby Fives is a fast, reactive wall game that places repeated demands on the hands, wrists, shoulders, knees and ankles. Players accelerate into the court,…
Building A Strong Junior Rugby Fives Development ProgrammeA successful junior Rugby Fives programme gives children a clear route from first experience to confident competition. It should develop hand skills, movement,…
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