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 plan a rugby fives tour for your club

A Rugby Fives tour gives a club the chance to combine serious match play with travel, friendship and a stronger connection to the wider game. For an Australian team, the trip may involve local fixtures between states, a visit to the United Kingdom, or an exchange built around tournaments and school programmes. Each option needs a different budget, timetable and level of preparation.

The best tours are planned around playing opportunities rather than sightseeing alone. A clear purpose helps organisers choose suitable opponents, book courts at sensible times, and give every member a worthwhile role. It also makes the trip easier to explain to families, sponsors, schools and club committees.

Begin by deciding who the tour is for and what success should look like. A junior development squad may need coaching and short matches, while an experienced adult side may prefer a demanding series of fixtures. The following formats provide a useful starting point.

Tour format	Best for	Typical length	Main planning focus
Domestic Australian exchange	Developing players and reducing costs	2–4 days	Court access, interstate travel and local hosts
UK club tour	Experienced players seeking strong competition	7–10 days	Flights, accommodation, fixtures and recovery
Tournament-based tour	A group wanting several matches	3–7 days	Entry deadlines, squad rotation and scheduling
Junior or school tour	Participation and player development	3–6 days	Safeguarding, supervision and coaching

Set the purpose and shape of the group

Write a short tour brief before booking anything. Include the target age range, playing standard, preferred dates, number of players, number of coaches and the outcomes you want. These might include gaining match experience, introducing new players to Rugby Fives, building links with another club or preparing for a national championship.

Group size affects every decision. A compact squad is easier to transport and house, but a larger party can share costs and create a better social atmosphere. For juniors, set clear ratios for coaches and responsible adults. For mixed-ability groups, plan competitive matches alongside development sessions so newer players are not left watching from the side.

Australian clubs should also consider the school calendar and sporting competition cycle. A tour during the winter season may conflict with AFL, rugby union, netball or school commitments, while January travel can collide with cricket and summer holidays. State-based public holidays differ, so check dates for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland or the relevant home state before fixing the itinerary.

Choose the destination and playing partners

A domestic tour can be the most practical first step. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane each offer large travel networks, established schools and universities, and a better chance of finding suitable indoor facilities. A club based outside a capital city might build a weekend exchange with a nearby regional centre, using a central venue and shared accommodation to keep the trip affordable.

For a UK tour, contact the Rugby Fives Association early. The association can help clubs identify active contacts, competitions, coaching opportunities and suitable venues. Ask potential hosts about court availability, match standards, equipment, changing facilities and whether they can arrange several opponents within a manageable travel area.

Aim for a realistic match programme. Two or three quality fixtures are usually more valuable than a crowded schedule that leaves players exhausted. Build in time for a coached session, a school visit or a mixed social hit. These activities strengthen relationships and help players understand how Rugby Fives is played in different club settings.

Build a practical budget

Prepare the budget per person and as a complete tour account. Include flights or interstate transport, airport transfers, accommodation, food, court hire, coaching, tournament entry, insurance, uniforms and a contingency reserve. International travellers should also allow for passport costs, travel insurance and currency fluctuations between Australian dollars and pounds sterling.

For an overseas trip, avoid relying on a single fundraising idea. Combine player contributions with club support, local business sponsorship, grants, raffle events or a school coaching day. Australian businesses often respond well to a clear community proposition: explain how the tour supports youth participation, inclusive sport and the development of a lesser-known code.

Keep money handling transparent. Use a dedicated tour account, publish payment dates and state what happens if a player withdraws. A staged payment plan is kinder to families than one large bill. For a domestic trip, an early-bird deposit can secure transport and accommodation while giving the organising committee a reliable headcount.

Plan travel, accommodation and daily logistics

Create a day-by-day itinerary with generous travel margins. An Australian group flying to Britain may arrive tired and out of rhythm, so avoid scheduling a major fixture immediately after a long-haul flight. Allow time for sleep, food, hydration and a light mobility session. Players travelling from Perth or another distant city may need an additional recovery day before the main programme begins.

Choose accommodation close to courts where possible. A hostel, university residence, serviced apartment or budget hotel can work well, but check room arrangements, kitchen access, laundry, accessibility and quiet hours. In the UK, rail travel may be convenient between cities, while a minibus can be more practical for a group carrying equipment. In Australia, distances between venues can be substantial, so never estimate travel time from a map alone.

Give every participant a simple travel pack with addresses, emergency contacts, meeting points, baggage limits and transport instructions. Use a group messaging platform for updates, but keep the final itinerary in one shared document. Include a wet-weather alternative for outdoor activities and a plan for delayed flights, missed connections or unavailable courts.

Prepare players and protect the group

A tour should have a training block before departure. Work on movement, court positioning, serving, returns and communication, then use practice matches to test combinations. Rugby Fives demands quick reactions and repeated changes of direction, so include calf, ankle, knee and shoulder preparation. Players should arrive with suitable footwear, comfortable clothing and any personal medication clearly organised.

Set standards for conduct before the group leaves. Agree on punctuality, alcohol, social media, room sharing, curfews and respectful behaviour. For juniors, obtain medical information, consent forms and emergency contacts, and ensure all supervisors understand safeguarding responsibilities. An overseas tour also needs copies of passports, visas if required and insurance details held securely.

Plan for inclusion from the beginning. Ask about dietary needs, disability access, religious observance and financial barriers without making assumptions. A player may need a quieter room, an adapted timetable or help with equipment costs. A welcoming tour makes space for different backgrounds and playing levels, which strengthens the club when everyone returns home.

Make the tour valuable beyond the fixtures

Match results matter, but they are only one measure of a successful tour. Record fixtures, scores, player achievements and useful lessons for the club archive. A short report with photographs, consented player stories and partner acknowledgements can support future funding applications and encourage new members to join.

Build in a community or education element where it fits. An Australian club might run a come-and-try session at a school, visit a university sports programme or host a demonstration at a local multi-sport facility. In Britain, a visit to a long-established Rugby Fives school or club can connect touring players with the sport’s history and current development work.

Finish with a proper review within two weeks of returning. Collect feedback on transport, accommodation, coaching, fixtures and costs, then record recommendations while details are fresh. Thank hosts, sponsors, volunteers and families promptly. A well-documented first tour becomes a reliable template for the next interstate exchange or international visit.

Start shaping your club’s tour by defining the group, preferred dates and playing aims, then contact the Rugby Fives Association about fixtures, competitions, coaching and suitable connections. With an achievable itinerary, open budgeting and thoughtful preparation, your Australian club can turn a series of matches into a lasting part of its development.

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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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