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 benefits of mentoring for new Rugby Fives refereesA confident referee can change the feel of a Rugby Fives match. Clear decisions, calm communication and a strong understanding of the laws help players compete…
Plan A Rugby Fives Open Day Local Families Will EnjoyA Rugby Fives open day can give families a lively first taste of the sport without the pressure of a formal competition. The best events combine short…
How Data Is Reshaping Modern Rugby Fives RankingsRugby Fives has always rewarded the player who turns up, hits hard, and reads the game with cold clarity. For most of the sport's history, ranking a player…
Choosing the right Rugby Fives ball for your levelThe ball is the link between your hands, the wall and the rest of the game. Its weight, surface and rebound affect every serve, return and volley, so selecting…
The Story of the Rugby Fives Inter-Counties ChampionshipThe Rugby Fives Inter-Counties Championship is one of the sport’s clearest expressions of community. It brings together players who represent a county, a local…
Breathing Skills for Better Rugby Fives MatchesRugby Fives is played at a fast pace, with short rallies, sharp changes of direction and little time to recover between points. Breathing can easily become…
Why Club Fixtures Matter To Rugby Fives CommunityA Rugby Fives club is built through people meeting regularly, sharing a court and giving one another a reason to return. Training develops technique, yet…
How to Deal With a Rugby Fives Injury and Return StrongerRugby Fives rewards quick reactions, sharp footwork and repeated changes of direction. Those qualities also place stress on the ankles, knees, calves, hips,…
How Rugby Fives Shaped British School CultureRugby Fives began within the distinctive world of British public schools, where sport served as education, tradition and social training. Played against a…
How to develop a successful Rugby Fives fundraising auctionA well-run auction can turn enthusiasm for Rugby Fives into practical support for courts, coaching, junior programs, travel, equipment and inclusive…
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