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
Rugby fives and the armed forcesRugby Fives grew from the walls and traditions of Rugby School, yet its story extends well beyond school sport. For generations, the game travelled through the…
Coaching Rugby Fives Doubles Tactics for Strong PartnershipsRugby Fives remains one of the oldest and most distinctive doubles court sports still played across Commonwealth nations. While the sport's roots sit firmly in…
Hardball versus softball in Rugby Fives: what sets them apartRugby Fives is a fast, addictive court sport where a ball is struck with the hands against a three-walled court, and two distinct codes sit at the heart of the…
Building Your Own Rugby Fives Practice Net: A Practical GuideRugby Fives rewards repetition, and a serviceable practice wall lets you grind out rallies when there's no partner available. Whether you're working out of a…
How a Rugby Fives Dinner Builds a Stronger CommunityAn annual Rugby Fives dinner is far more than a formal meal after a season of matches. It gives players, coaches, officials, families and volunteers a place to…
Encouraging Older Adults to Discover Rugby FivesRugby Fives is one of the quieter sports on the Australian recreation calendar, yet its blend of technique, agility, and conversational pacing makes it an…
The Best Ways to Use a Practice Wall for Rugby FivesA practice wall can turn a quiet corner of a sports centre, schoolyard or backyard into a reliable Rugby Fives training space. It gives players repeated…
How to plan a rugby fives tour for your clubA Rugby Fives tour gives a club the chance to combine serious match play with travel, friendship and a stronger connection to the wider game. For an Australian…
The history of Rugby Fives in WalesRugby Fives is a handball game shaped by schoolyards, distinctive courts and generations of informal coaching. Players strike a small ball with a gloved hand…
Build a rugby fives training diary that drives progressA well-kept rugby fives training diary turns scattered practice into a clear development record. It helps players connect footwork, striking, movement, fitness…
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