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 Future of Rugby Fives: Growth and InnovationRugby Fives has always combined speed, judgement, movement, and close contact with a distinctive court-based challenge. Its compact playing area creates…
How Rugby Fives Rankings Are Calculated And UpdatedRugby Fives rankings provide a clear way to track performance across a season. They help players see how their results compare with others, give clubs a useful…
The Best Drills to Improve Your Rugby Fives ServeA strong Rugby Fives serve is built through repeatable movement, accurate contact, and intelligent placement. The objective is not simply to hit the ball hard.…
How to Warm Up Properly Before a Rugby Fives MatchRugby Fives is played at close range, with rallies that demand quick reactions, controlled power and constant movement. Players accelerate towards the front…
The Work Behind Every Rugby Fives ClubA Rugby Fives club can look wonderfully simple from the court: four walls, a ball, two players, and a fast exchange that rewards touch, timing, and courage.…
How Rugby Fives Can Support Mental WellbeingRugby Fives offers a distinctive way to combine movement, concentration, social contact, and enjoyment. Played in a four-walled court with a gloved hand, the…
How to Maintain Rugby Fives Equipment For Longer LifeRugby Fives is a fast, demanding game in which the ball, footwear, clothing and protective equipment are exposed to repeated impact. Good maintenance helps…
Why Rugby Fives Is Called the Gentleman's GameRugby Fives has long been associated with the phrase “gentleman’s game”, a description rooted in the sport’s traditions of courtesy, self-control, and fair…
The story behind the national Rugby Fives championshipsThe National Rugby Fives Championships represent the competitive heart of a sport built on skill, speed, precision, and tradition. Players meet on the same…
Building A Thriving School Rugby Fives LeagueA school Rugby Fives league gives pupils a regular reason to practise, compete and represent their school. The game needs limited equipment, develops hand-eye…
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