LET’S start at the very top, and I wonder if you heard the news recently that for 2015/16 the RFU produced its highest revenue turnover in its history.

Income was some 37 per cent up, mainly due to hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup, which means £102.3 million is available to invest in projects that will improve facilities within the game.

So, get your claims in quick if there’s anything which needs doing in or to your clubhouse, pitch etc.

Apparently, it’s the fifth consecutive year that there will be increased investment in rugby development around the country, so all credit to the RFU.

Last weekend was a quiet affair but London Irish, despite fielding a load of youngsters, maintained their unbeaten start with a victory over Ospreys, while Rams travelled to Exmouth for their National Two South outing and were held to a draw by the Devonians, who had not won in six previous outings.

Hopefully Rams can make amends by seeing off third-from-bottom Barnes at home this Saturday.

As for my boys Reading, we are away to Swindon who are just one point below them in South West One East, so what a game that would be to win. Eighth-placed Reading Abbey are at Royal Wootton Bassett, while Berkshire Shire Hall host Faringdon.

It’s a busy Sunday as well, as Reading Ladies face Newbury while Reading Abbey Ladies tackle Crowthorne at Rose Hill.

This great game of ours has always had a reputation for producing butch, muscle-bulging men who charge into each other at great pace and power and do all manner of devious things to each other while prompting some to speculate as to their ultimate sexuality. But, as far as I’m concerned, along with most of my fellow club members far and wide, we’re all quite straight.

This Saturday, however, Manchester Spartans, a gay and inclusive team founded almost 20 years ago, are taking on Liverpool’s new gay team the Tritons for the first time.

Spartans run three teams and have more than 100 players in their club. It just shows how modern day attitudes in sport are embracing change and reaching out to all cultures, creeds and ethnicities.