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.

Rugby Fives Association

The governing body for Rugby Fives — promoting play, coaching and competition across the UK

News

Title	Date	Excerpt
A Day Behind the Scenes at a Rugby Fives Tournament	21.08.2026	Before 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 Fives	21.08.2026	Rugby 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 Sport	21.08.2026	Rugby 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 Fives	21.08.2026	Rugby 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

A wide-angle photograph of a row of Rugby Fives courts at a traditional British school, with ivy-covered brick walls and cream court surfaces under soft overcast daylight.

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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