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 Enduring Legacy of Rugby Fives in Northern EnglandRugby Fives is one of those rare sporting traditions that has quietly outlasted trends, surviving wars, recessions and the relentless march of professionalised…
up a Rugby Fives league in your regionRugby Fives is a fast, demanding court sport played in a four-walled court with a hard ball, where players use their hands alone to return shots off the walls.…
Hydration strategies for peak performance in Rugby FivesRugby Fives demands explosive movement, sharp reflexes, and sustained concentration across fast-paced rallies. Every leap to intercept a ball and every lunge…
Coaching Newcomers in Rugby Fives: A Structured ApproachThe first thing any new coach in Rugby Fives needs to grasp is that the sport rewards patience as much as athleticism. A fives court looks simple at a glance,…
Why Volunteering at Rugby Fives Events Matters for Aussie CommunitiesRugby Fives might not grab the same headlines as AFL or NRL across the country, but the sport is quietly thriving in school halls, community centres, and…
Choosing a Rugby Fives racquet that matches your playing styleRugby Fives rewards players who understand how their equipment shapes every shot. Picking the right racquet influences your cut, drive, and volley far more…
Rugby Fives Balls Through the Decades: Cloth, Leather and BeyondRugby Fives occupies a curious corner of British sporting heritage, a four-walled handball game that has travelled far beyond the schoolyards where it first…
Your First Rugby Fives Tournament A Practical Guide for New PlayersRugby Fives is one of those rare sports where a complete novice can share a court with a seasoned campaigner and find themselves genuinely competitive within…
How to fundraise for a Rugby Fives club renovationA Rugby Fives club renovation can improve safety, attract new members and give schools a stronger reason to use the courts. The work may involve resurfacing…
How Rugby Fives sharpens the mind and lifts the spiritRugby Fives traces its origins to the public schools of Victorian England, yet its modern revival is genuinely global. Players have long treasured the game for…
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