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

How to Host a Rugby Fives Awards Night That Players Will Remember

Awards nights are a long-standing tradition in Australian sporting clubs, and a Rugby Fives end-of-season celebration offers the perfect chance to recognise the volunteers, coaches, captains, and players who keep the sport ticking over. Whether your club has a small group of die-hard fives players or you're running a multi-court competition across several states, an awards evening gives everyone a reason to dust off their glad rags and gather for a proper knees-up.

In Australia, where weekend sport is woven into the social calendar from Sydney to Perth, hosting a fives awards night is also a brilliant way to grow the game. A well-run event introduces newcomers to the community, celebrates the unsung heroes behind the scenes, and gives the sport a public profile beyond the four walls of the court. Done right, it becomes a yearly tradition that mates look forward to months in advance.

Picking a Date, Venue, and the Right Vibe

When planning your fives awards night, start with the calendar. Australian fives seasons typically wind down through late autumn, so an evening in May or early June is often the sweet spot. Avoid clashing with State of Origin, AFL grand final replays, or the Melbourne Cup — that's a quick way to lose half your guest list to the pub. A Friday night arvo-into-evening slot works well, giving tradies and shift workers a chance to duck out early without missing the speeches.

Venue choice matters as much as the date. Many Australian sporting clubs lean on their local RSL, the bowlo, or a private room above the pub. If your fives club shares grounds with a cricket club or a rugby outfit, booking the clubhouse is a cost-effective move and keeps the spirit of grassroots sport alive. For something more polished, consider a hotel function room or a community hall with a bar — just make sure there's enough space for a small stage or podium, and parking out the front, because nobody enjoys a long walk back to the car after a few drinks.

Getting the Guest List Sorted and Sending Out Invites

A Rugby Fives awards night thrives on a packed room, so cast a wide net when building the guest list. Beyond the players themselves, invite past champions, club presidents, sponsors, parents of junior players, and any volunteers who helped with coaching, court maintenance, or tournament admin. In a country as vast as Australia, where players often travel hours for a weekend fixture, an awards night is one of the rare occasions when the whole community can be in the same postcode.

For invitations, a mix of old-school and modern works best. A printed invite tucked into a club noticeboard still turns heads, but pair it with a Facebook event, an Instagram story, and a friendly group text for the regulars. Give people a clear RSVP deadline — something like "RSVP by the 15th, no worries if you forget, just send a message" — and follow up with a reminder a week out. Aussie players appreciate a relaxed approach, but they also love a heads-up so they can sort the babysitter or book a lift.

Choosing Awards That Actually Mean Something

Generic trophies don't cut the mustard at a community awards night. The awards you hand out should reflect the personality of your Rugby Fives club and the values you want to celebrate. The obvious categories — Player of the Year, Most Improved, Best First-Year Player — are essential, but think about including a Club Person of the Year, a Coach's Award, a Volunteer Recognition, and a Fair Play or Sportsmanship trophy. These often go to people who would never nominate themselves and mean the world when their name is called.

For a bit of humour and Aussie flavour, throw in a few informal gags. The "Golden Fives" award for the player who turned up to every training session, or the "Where's the Ball?" involvement. These light-hearted categories keep the night relaxed and give newer players a chance to take home something. If your club has a strong junior program, include age-group awards so kids feel recognised too — handing a small trophy to an eight-year-old is the highlight of the night for many parents.

Food, Drinks, and Keeping the Mob Fed

Hospitality is the heart of any Australian sporting function, and your fives awards night should follow the same rule: feed the mob, keep the drinks flowing, and everyone stays happy. A classic pub-style menu — schnitzels, parmas, burgers, and a couple of salads — ticks the boxes for most clubs. If your venue allows BYO, charge a modest corkage and let people bring their own plonk; it's a beloved tradition that keeps costs down and keeps the treasurer smiling. Otherwise, a set menu with a couple of drink vouchers on arrival is a fair dinkum way to start the night.

For snacks and pre-dinner nibbles, draw inspiration from the local footy club tradition. Sausage rolls, mini pies, and a cheese board go down a treat, and they keep the hungry ones happy while the formalities get sorted. Don't forget non-alcoholic options either — plenty of players drive long distances home after the event, and having zero-alcohol beer, soft drinks, and sparkling water on hand is a thoughtful touch. End the night with tea and coffee, and if your venue allows it, a late-night coffee cart for the road-trippers heading back to the regions.

Running the Night Without a Hitch

A smooth awards night relies on a tight run sheet and a reliable MC. Pick someone who knows the club inside out, can handle a cheeky joke, and isn't afraid to keep things on track when the speeches run over. Brief your MC on key stories about each award recipient so they can share a quick anecdote before the trophy goes out — those little yarns are what people remember years later.

Plan the program in clear blocks: arrivals and welcome drinks, a sit-down meal, the awards ceremony itself, a quick speech from the club president or coach, and then open-floor dancing or social time. Keep the formal part under an hour if you can. Australians are a friendly lot, but they get restless when speeches drag on. Slot in a slideshow of season highlights, a few laughs, and a heartfelt thank-you to sponsors, and you're golden. After the formalities wrap, let the night breathe — a good playlist, a dance floor, and a late-night pizza order will see the keen ones through to the small hours.

If you're keen to get your Rugby Fives Awards Night off the ground, the team at the Rugby Fives Association can help with event templates, awards certificates, and promotional artwork to make your evening feel polished. Reach out via the contact page, join the national conversation on social media, and start planning your next big celebration.

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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

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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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