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
Inside the rise of a Rugby Fives junior championA junior title in Rugby Fives is earned through quick reactions, disciplined movement and countless hours on a four-walled court. For young players, the sport…
The Cross-Training Edge of Rugby FivesCross-training works best when it adds qualities your main sport does not fully develop. Rugby Fives does exactly that. Played in a four-walled court with a…
Rugby Fives Rules Explained For New PlayersRugby Fives is a fast handball game played on a four-walled court. Players use their hands instead of rackets to strike a small ball against the front wall,…
Choosing Your First Rugby Fives Bat: What You Really NeedIf you are searching for your first Rugby Fives bat, there is an important distinction to make before buying anything. Rugby Fives is played with the hands,…
A Day Behind the Scenes at a Rugby Fives TournamentBefore the first ball is struck, a tournament organiser has already made hundreds of decisions. Court bookings, player entries, draws, officials, equipment,…
Ten Health Benefits Of Playing Rugby FivesRugby Fives is a fast, skillful wall-ball sport that combines movement, timing, concentration, and repeated short bursts of effort. Played in a four-walled…
The History of Rugby Fives From School Courts to National SportRugby Fives is a fast, skilful wall-ball game with deep roots in British school sport. Played in a four-walled court, it rewards sharp movement, controlled…
How to get started in Rugby FivesRugby Fives is a fast, skillful wall game played with the hands rather than a racket. It combines quick reactions, controlled striking, movement, and tactical…
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
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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