The Rugby Fives Association
September 2026
National Rankings: First update of the Season
We’re already three Open tournaments into the new season and the RFA is delighted to publish the first rankings for 2026-27, kindly compiled by Will Ellison. Changes are, as ever, precipitated not only by success in these tournaments, but also whether players have been ‘defending’ their ranking points from these tournaments in previous seasons.
In Singles, Ed Kay retains the number 1 spot. The biggest changes at the top come from Lewis Keates, whose early season form sees him jump from #8 to #6, and Theo Parker, also up two places to #10. Tom Watkinson’s strong return to competitive Fives means that he leaps up into the Top 20 at #19, alongside Emrys Thursfield, who’s made it to #17. There are notable moves from Nick Geere (#29), Zachary Winson Yates (#38) and Giles Munn (#52). 199 players are ranked.
In Doubles, there is less movement near the top, where Dan Tristao remains number one. Charlie Brooks edges up to #3, but for most players in the Top 20 there is little movement. However, the movers and shakers start with Tim Hebblethwaite (#23) and Emrys Thursfield (#26), but plenty of others have also made significant jumps. 216 players are ranked.
*****