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
How To Write Match Reports For Rugby Fives FixturesA strong Rugby Fives match report does more than record who won. It preserves the character of the fixture: the pressure of a close final game, the tactical…
Rugby Fives and the Changing BallRugby Fives emerged in England in 1923, created by schoolmaster Robert Rose-Michael as a non-contact form of rugby. Early players threw, caught and kicked…
How to organise a Rugby Fives friendly match between clubsA Rugby Fives friendly between clubs starts with shared expectations, not an assumption that both sides want the same event. Decide whether the fixture is for…
Rugby Fives and the Science of Stress ReliefStress can build quietly between shifts, commutes, school runs, deadlines and family demands. For many Australians, the response is familiar: muscles tighten,…
How to Create a Rugby Fives Club HandbookA Rugby Fives club handbook is the working reference for how a club operates, from the first trial to the final post-match message. It gives players, coaches,…
Best stretches for Rugby Fives shoulder mobilityRugby Fives places repeated overhead pressure on the shoulder through passing, catching, serving and retrieving loose balls. The best stretches for Rugby Fives…
Plan a Rugby Fives Volunteer Training DayA Rugby Fives volunteer training day gives new helpers the confidence to run fixtures, explain the game, support players and keep play moving. Done well, it…
The story behind the Rugby Fives Association’s first tournamentRugby Fives is simple to describe: five players a side, no contact, and short matches built around speed, support and quick decisions. Yet behind that clean…
How to improve your footwork in Rugby FivesThe most reliable way to improve your footwork in Rugby Fives is to make every step serve a clear purpose: accelerate into space, adjust to a pass, balance…
Rugby Fives outdoors and indoors: choosing your ideal settingRugby Fives is a quick, non-contact form of five-a-side rugby that rewards passing, support play and decision-making. The same rules apply on an outdoor hard…
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