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Rugby Fives Association

The governing body for Rugby Fives — promoting play, coaching and competition across the UK

How to organise a Rugby Fives friendly match between clubs

A Rugby Fives friendly between clubs starts with shared expectations, not an assumption that both sides want the same event. Decide whether the fixture is for player development, new-player introductions, tournament preparation or simply a community gathering. A competitive but relaxed game works well when both sides agree its purpose, tone and playing intensity before anyone arrives.

Rugby Fives combines familiar rugby skills with mixed-gender squads and a quicker match tempo, making it approachable for clubs sharing facilities with other codes. An informal Australian welcome such as “good on you” helps new players settle in, while clear match-day boundaries keep the atmosphere friendly rather than chaotic.

The Rugby Fives Association is the UK national governing body for Rugby Fives and a registered charity. It promotes competitions, championships, tournaments, coaching, school programs and community outreach, bringing players, clubs, schools, coaches and volunteers together. It also maintains fixtures, rankings, results and historical records, supporting inclusive participation and long-term development across the UK. For a cross-border friendly, ask how the match should be classified and recorded.

Australian clubs should not assume that UK rankings or affiliation automatically apply locally. Rugby Australia and its member unions provide the relevant rugby administration contacts, and state-based competition structures mean local calendars can vary considerably. Agree the event’s status with the relevant governing bodies so a friendly is not recorded as a sanctioned competition.

Agree the purpose and playing format

Choose one lead organiser on each side and exchange contact details for players, coaches, officials and volunteers. Set the match length, squad size and minimum player numbers within the rules you intend to use. If the game includes younger players or newcomers, explain the expected standard in advance.

Agree which Rugby Fives rules apply, then adapt only what both clubs approve. Put the match length, substitution arrangements, and the treatment of contact, lineouts and scoring in writing. A short rules sheet prevents captains from interpreting the same provision in different ways.

Each club should nominate a captain or team manager, submit a team sheet and confirm kit colours. Include arrival times, the location of changing facilities and who has the match sheets. Those small details reduce delays and let volunteers concentrate on safety and hospitality.

Find a date that suits both countries

Start with a narrow window that avoids Australian club finals, major state competitions and school holiday periods. For Sydney and Melbourne clubs, a June-to-August Saturday afternoon fits the local winter fixture pattern, although evening social sessions can also work. Confirm your own state union’s calendar rather than relying on general availability.

Time zones need more attention when clubs are in different countries. An evening kick-off in the UK can fall overnight or in the early morning in Australia, particularly when daylight saving changes. Offer two suitable kick-off windows, then state the exact date, local time and time zone in every confirmation.

Allow for travel, not just playing time. A UK club visiting Sydney or Melbourne needs rest after a long-haul flight and time to adjust, while an Australian club heading overseas needs a realistic recovery plan. Include accommodation, meals and transport in the budget before selecting fixtures, and avoid scheduling a formal match immediately after arrival.

Choose the venue and prepare the ground

The hosting club should use a suitable rugby venue with safe changing areas, toilets, drinking water, medical access and room for both squads. Council grounds, school pitches and established rugby clubs can all work, but permission, insurance and any hire fee must be confirmed early. In Australia, check ground booking rules and local council requirements well ahead.

Plan for the weather rather than treating it as an afterthought. Gold Coast summer humidity and sudden storms can interrupt play, while Sydney and Melbourne winter wind and rain make covered areas and spare dry clothing useful. Set a wet-weather decision time, identify an indoor backup if available and explain any heat-management or hydration arrangements.

Prepare the match equipment together: match balls, cones, bibs, corner flags where needed, team sheets and first-aid supplies. Nominate a first aider, display emergency contacts and keep spectators behind a safe boundary. If schools are involved, meet the relevant state or territory safeguarding and supervision requirements.

Agree costs, officials and responsibilities

Write down who pays for officials, travel, accommodation, catering, venue hire, equipment and any trophy or fundraising item. Decide whether costs are shared equally, paid as a fixed match fee or covered through sponsorship. For a fixture involving another country, record the exchange rate and payment date so neither club has to settle the bill on match day. Australian community sides often rely on volunteers and modest sponsorship, so agree a realistic contribution rather than assuming a sponsor will cover every cost.

Confirm public liability insurance and appropriate player or volunteer cover on both sides. Ask the opposition to provide copies, relevant certificates and emergency information. Agreements should also cover cancellation, postponement and the final decision on a result if weather or travel prevents the match going ahead.

Keep a short responsibility sheet rather than relying on scattered messages. Name one person for fixtures, one for finances, one for volunteer coordination and one for results in each club. A shared checklist keeps everyone clear on where to meet and who brings the first-aid kit.

Promote the fixture through local networks

Publicise the game through club newsletters, social media, local community pages and nearby schools, as well as official competition channels. The Rugby Fives Association can advise on UK fixture promotion and records; Australian organisers should use local club, state union and community contacts instead of assuming the same listings apply. Share the playing level, cost, dress requirements and registration deadline.

Frame the event as a welcome, not a recruitment test. Invite former players, families, local volunteers and supporters, and explain whether spectators can join the clubhouse afterwards. A small sponsor can cover refreshments, while a school program or community partner can provide coaches and kit. “No worries” is helpful when logistics shift, provided people still receive clear information.

Deliver the match and build the partnership

On match day, complete the team sheets, brief captains and officials together and confirm the agreed laws before warm-ups. Keep communication warm, fair and practical: “have a crack” works as encouragement, but safety instructions and playing standards must remain unmistakable. Provide equal access to facilities, refreshments and the post-match gathering.

Afterwards, thank players, volunteers, officials and hosts. Record the result in the club’s normal channels and, where appropriate, the Rugby Fives Association’s results and historical records; competitive rankings should only change if the fixture qualifies under its rules. Share suitable photographs with consent, gather feedback and discuss a rematch or tournament.

A simple responsibility split helps prevent crossed wires:

Stage	Club based in Australia	Club based in the UK
Before travel	Confirm local competition dates, volunteers and venue	Confirm the invitation, squad availability and travel budget
Scheduling	Set a local kick-off, daylight-saving window and wet-weather plan	Work backwards from travel, arrival days and club commitments
Matchday	Provide the ground, kit, water, officials and first aid	Bring players, coaches, team sheets and match fees
After play	Record the result and invite guests to the clubroom	Share the result, photographs and plans for the next fixture

Register the fixture with the relevant competition organiser, confirm insurance and officials, and publish one clear set of details for players, families and volunteers. Brief the captains, welcome both squads and get the game underway.

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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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