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 role of the referee in Rugby Fives matchesA referee is the person who turns the laws of Rugby Fives into a fair, playable contest. From the first service to the final point, the official monitors the…
How to Deal with a Losing Streak in Rugby FivesA run of defeats can make Rugby Fives feel unfamiliar. Shots that usually reach the back wall fall short, a dependable serve loses its accuracy, and small…
The Best Gear for Rugby Fives: A Buyer’s Guide for Every LevelRugby Fives needs far less equipment than many court sports, yet the right choices can make a significant difference to comfort, confidence, and performance. A…
How to Set Goals for Your Rugby Fives SeasonA new Rugby Fives season gives you a useful opportunity to decide what progress should look like before matches, tournaments, and training sessions begin. A…
Fair Play And The Future Of Rugby FivesRugby Fives is a fast, skilful sport built around movement, touch, anticipation, and sharp decision-making. Players compete in enclosed courts where rallies…
How to Balance Rugby Fives with Work and Family LifeRugby Fives can fit comfortably into a busy adult life when training, competition, employment, and family commitments are planned as parts of the same weekly…
The Top Rugby Fives Moments From The Past DecadeThe Top Rugby Fives Moments from the Past Decade have been shaped by more than final scores. Championship matches, school competitions, club renewals,…
How to prepare for your first Rugby Fives competitionEntering your first Rugby Fives competition is an exciting step from casual play into organised sport. A little preparation will help you feel more comfortable…
The Economics of Running a Rugby Fives ClubRugby Fives clubs operate in a distinctive part of the UK sporting landscape. The game requires a court, a ball, basic equipment, and committed players, yet…
How To Encourage Girls And Women To Play Rugby FivesRugby Fives offers a fast, skilful and social way to be active. Players develop hand-eye coordination, agility, balance and tactical awareness while competing…
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