THIS weekend heralds the start of the Six Nations, one of the greatest international competitions in world rugby.

I must say the England squad looks a well-balanced outfit with a lot of hardened campaigners there to help out the newcomers such as prop Paul Hill, flanker Jack Clifford and versatile back Ollie Devoto.

They take on Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, and, if you’ve ever wondered why they play for the Calcutta Cup, I shall explain.

The cup originated in India following the introduction of the game back in 1872 by former students of Rugby School who founded the Calcutta Rugby Football Club.

While the club, following the departure of the British Army from Calcutta, foundered in 1878, the members decided to melt down the remaining 270 rupees in the club’s coffers and turned them into the trophy.

The cup was presented to the RFU to be used as “the best means of doing some lasting good for the cause of rugby football” and was first played for in a drawn match in Scotland back in 1879.

On the local scene, London Irish slipped back to the foot of the Aviva Premiership following a heavy defeat at Sale, and they now face a crucial game against Worcester Warriors at Madejski Stadium this Sunday.

My boys Reading succumbed late in the game to league leaders Towcestrians, but it was a good performance from the lads who led for a long while before they were effectively killed off by two quick second-half tries inside five minutes.

With eight games to go and trailing eight points behind the team above us, High Wycombe, the prospects don’t look too bright, but we won’t give up.

There was better news for Redingensians Rams who had a confidence-boosting win at home to Clifton, and with 10 games left, there’s plenty of time for them to secure survival.

Reading Abbey also continued their winning ways at Stow-in-the-Wold to remain four points clear at the top of Southern Counties North, but Berkshire Shire Hall endured a nightmare against Farnham Royal.

Finally, can I suggest if you don’t have any tickets for the Six Nations games, go along to your area’s club and watch them there – you can’t get a better atmosphere.