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
Learning To Control A Broken-In Rugby Fives BallA well-used Rugby Fives ball can feel wonderfully alive in the hand. It may have a softer surface, a more familiar grip and a response that experienced players…
How to host a Rugby Fives referee training courseA well-run Rugby Fives referee training course gives officials the knowledge, confidence and practical judgement needed to manage matches fairly. It should…
Stretching routines that support Rugby Fives playersRugby Fives is a fast, reactive court sport that asks players to move in several directions within seconds. Lunges, sharp changes of direction, low defensive…
How to create engaging social media content for your Rugby Fives clubA strong social media presence can make Rugby Fives feel more visible, accessible and welcoming, especially in a market where many people may be discovering…
How Rugby Fives Rules Have Changed Over TimeRugby Fives has retained its distinctive character for more than a century: two players or pairs meet on a four-sided court and use their hands to strike a…
Building A Veterans’ Rugby Fives Programme In AustraliaRugby Fives offers older players a lively indoor sport built around movement, touch, timing and quick decisions. A veterans’ group can bring former players…
Building A Stronger Future For Rugby Fives In AustraliaRugby Fives is a fast, skilful wall game that can be played indoors on a relatively compact court. Its low equipment requirements and suitability for different…
How to improve your reaction time for Rugby FivesRugby Fives rewards players who can read the ball early, move efficiently and strike under pressure. A fast reaction is useful, but it is only one part of the…
Why Rugby Fives Belongs in the Lunch BreakA lunchtime game of Rugby Fives can turn an ordinary break into a compact session of movement, concentration and social connection. Played in a four-walled…
How to Write a Coaching Plan for a Rugby Fives SessionA useful Rugby Fives coaching plan turns a limited court booking into a purposeful learning experience. It gives the coach a clear sequence, helps players…
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
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