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
Planning a Rugby Fives Season for a School TeamA successful Rugby Fives season gives pupils regular opportunities to learn, compete and enjoy steady progress. Good planning helps a school team move from…
Building A Thriving Rugby Fives Community LocallyRugby Fives is a fast, skilful wall game that can bring together people of different ages, backgrounds, and sporting abilities. A local community does not need…
The History of the Rugby Fives Ball: From Leather to Modern MaterialsThe Rugby Fives ball is small, fast and deceptively demanding. Its size allows it to travel sharply around a court, while its firmness rewards clean striking…
How To Read Your Opponent’s Body Language In Rugby FivesRugby Fives is played at close range, where a fraction of a second can decide whether a shot reaches the front wall cleanly or sits up for an opponent. The…
The Best Stretches for Rugby Fives Players Before and After a MatchRugby Fives is a fast, reactive sport that asks players to accelerate, stop, reach, rotate and change direction repeatedly in a confined court. A well-chosen…
Creating A Welcoming Rugby Fives CommunityA first visit to a Rugby Fives court can feel exciting and unfamiliar. New players may be learning the rules, adjusting to the pace, and trying to understand…
Sharper Movement For Better Rugby FivesRugby Fives is played in a compact court where every step affects the next shot. Players move rapidly between walls, adjust to changing rebounds, and recover…
Interviewing a Rugby Fives Legend: Lessons from a Lifetime in the SportA lifetime in Rugby Fives is measured in more than championships won. It is found in early mornings at school courts, long journeys to fixtures, close matches…
How to run a successful Rugby Fives fundraiserA well-planned fundraising tournament can raise money, attract new players, and give your local Rugby Fives club a stronger presence in the community. The best…
How Rugby Fives Supports Cardiovascular HealthRugby Fives is a fast-moving court sport that combines repeated rallies, sharp changes of direction, rapid acceleration and brief recovery periods. Players use…
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
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