The Six nations Rugby gets going in February and there is a full round of matches on both the weekend of the 8th and the 22nd. Highlights include England v France and Scotland v Ireland on the 8th – 9th and Wales v Ireland and England v Scotland on the 22nd – 23rd. The odds suggest that there’s nothing between France and Ireland this year but England are far from forlorn hopes and the winner should emerge from these three. Rugby fans can look forward to some terrific contests whatever the outcome.

The Premier League continues with fixtures throughout the month and the highlight is undoubtedly the visit of Liverpool to Manchester City on the 23rd. With the Manchester club just beginning to recover from an extremely sticky patch and Liverpool currently six points clear at the top, nothing less than a victory for City will give them any hope of competing for the title once again. Liverpool also travel to Goodison Park to play Everton on the 12th, which will be the last Merseyside derby played at the famous old ground before Everton move to their new stadium.

The top of the division is starting to get a familiar look to it again, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all bound to be involved come the end of the season. The exception is Nottingham Forest, who are on a magnificent run under the new manager and show no signs of flagging. European football or even a Champions League spot must be a realistic ambition for the Tricky Trees now, given their current position.

A major event taking place this month is the Invictus Games, being held in Canada between the 8th and the 16th. It’s a multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans. Because Canada are hosting, this plans to be the first games where winter adaptive sports including Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and wheelchair curling are included, and if you’ve never watched these games before and want to see some of the bravest men and women around giving their all to a sport, give it a try. The level of competition is astonishing and no quarter is given or asked for!