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
Why Rugby Fives Belongs In Family LifeRugby Fives is a fast, energetic court sport with a remarkably welcoming character. Players strike a small ball against the walls of a four-sided court using…
The Role Of Technology In Modern Rugby Fives CoachingRugby Fives has always depended on sharp reactions, accurate hand skills, intelligent movement, and close communication between players and coaches. Those…
Build A Smarter Rugby Fives Off-SeasonThe off-season is the ideal time to improve the qualities that match pressure, fatigue, and fast changes of direction. With fewer fixtures competing for…
Singles And Doubles Rugby Fives ExplainedRugby Fives is played on a compact court with a front wall, side walls, and a hard floor that rewards sharp reactions, accurate hand shots, and intelligent…
How to Handle Pressure in a Rugby Fives FinalA Rugby Fives final can feel very different from an ordinary fixture. The court is familiar, the rules are the same, and the ball still rewards clean movement…
Rugby Fives And Teamwork: Lessons From Doubles PlayRugby Fives is often described through individual skill: quick hands, sharp movement, accurate striking and the ability to read a rebounding ball. Doubles play…
Building A More Sustainable Future For Rugby FivesRugby Fives has a relatively modest physical footprint compared with many outdoor sports, yet every club still uses energy, water, equipment, transport, and…
Building a Rugby Fives Programme for Young PeopleRugby Fives can give a youth centre a distinctive, energetic activity that develops movement skills, confidence, concentration, and social connection. The game…
The Best Stretches for Rugby Fives Players After a GameRugby Fives demands repeated bursts of speed, sudden stops, low defensive positions, lunges, reaches and rapid changes of direction. A match can leave the…
Improve your Rugby Fives reflexes with simple exercisesFast reactions are valuable in Rugby Fives, but they are not simply a matter of having naturally quick hands. Good reflexes come from reading the ball early,…
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