The Game
Rugby Fives is a handball-style sport played by two players (singles) or four players (doubles) in a four-walled court. Players wear padded gloves and strike a small, hard ball against the front wall, using angles, pace and placement to outmanoeuvre their opponent. The game takes its name from Rugby School, where it was first codified in the 19th century, though its roots stretch back much further.
Unlike squash or racquet sports, Fives is played with the hands — making it uniquely direct, physically demanding, and accessible. Courts are found at schools, universities and clubs across the UK, and the Rugby Fives Association supports play at every level, from beginner to elite competition.
The Court
A rectangular enclosed court with four walls, a smooth floor, and a front wall featuring a distinctive ledge or buttress. The ball may be played off any wall, demanding sharp reflexes and tactical thinking.
The Ball & Gloves
A small, hard leather-covered ball — similar in size to a golf ball — is struck with padded leather gloves. The gloves protect the hands while allowing precise control and powerful shots.
Scoring
Only the server can score points. Games are typically played to 11 or 15 points, with matches decided as best-of-three or best-of-five games. The receiver must win the rally to gain the serve.
See the Game in Action
The RFA has produced an introductory video that shows the speed, skill and spirit of Rugby Fives — the perfect starting point for newcomers curious about the sport.
Watch the IntroductionRugby Fives is a handball-style sport with a rich heritage that traces its formal roots to Rugby School in the nineteenth century, though variations of wall-based handball games have been played for centuries before that. The game is contested by two players in singles or four players in doubles within a four-walled court, where competitors wear padded gloves to strike a small, hard ball against the front wall. What sets Fives apart from squash and other racquet sports is that it is played entirely with the hands, making it a uniquely direct and physically demanding contest that rewards sharp reflexes, tactical awareness and precise shot placement.
The aim of the game is straightforward: outmanoeuvre your opponent by using angles, pace and careful placement to make the ball difficult to return. Players must think several shots ahead, reading the rebound of the ball off the walls and anticipating their opponent's next move. The court itself becomes a strategic canvas, with side walls and back walls offering countless opportunities for creative angles and deceptive shots. This blend of athleticism and mental calculation makes Fives a deeply engaging sport, accessible to newcomers while offering endless depth for seasoned competitors at every level.
One of the great strengths of Rugby Fives is its accessibility. Because the ball is struck with a gloved hand rather than a racquet or bat, the basic skills can be learned relatively quickly, and the sport can be enjoyed by players of varying ages and abilities. Courts are primarily found at schools, universities and clubs, where the game has long been cultivated as a way to develop coordination, fitness and sportsmanship. The Rugby Fives Association works to promote the playing of the sport, supporting existing players and encouraging new participants to discover this distinctive and rewarding game.
Beyond the individual contest, Rugby Fives has a vibrant competitive scene with championships, tournaments and rankings organised throughout the season. Events draw players from across the country and beyond, with categories spanning age groups and skill levels. The community surrounding the sport is close-knit and welcoming, with clubs and schools forming the backbone of participation. Whether you are a seasoned competitor chasing national honours or a curious newcomer stepping onto a court for the first time, Rugby Fives offers a distinctive combination of tradition, athletic challenge and camaraderie that few other sports can match.