It's that time of year again and in what is now surely a tradition to rival the turkey, the tree and all the trimmings, we're delighted to herald the return the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

Once again, we'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to brighten your day - sadly, chocolate not included. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

The wonder-kick

A crowd of just over 4000 witnessed one of the most remarkable kicks at goal you will ever see on a rugby field. Doncaster were beating 14-12 Rotherham with the clock ticking into the red zone. With a gale blowing around Castle Park, Rotherham's Garry Law was handed the kicking tee charged with winning the game from an angle. He played the conditions to absolute perfection, as you can see by clicking the video beneath.

Quote unquote

"I can't open my hand out. I have got to see someone about it; can't grip anything. I dropped a bowl at home the other night. Basically I'm f****d!."
Former England prop Phil Vickery on life after rugby

Trivia Time

Which two players scored six tries in a Test in 2012? Find out here

And something you may have missed...

ESPNscrum endeavours to bring you an intoxicating mix of news, views and analysis and one or two of these gems may have passed you by over the last 12 months - but don't worry, we've dusted them off for your pleasure.

Fitter, faster, stronger‎
"Lawrence Dallaglio once observed that he would be fitter in the last half an hour than a Welsh opponent. That's not how it works these days."

Huw Baines looks at Wales' revolutionary take on their players' fitness

Picture Perfect

We've also trawled the archives for some of the best shots of year for your visual pleasure - here we have a photo from the weekend's match between Saracens and Munster. It has not had a very long shelf-life - just three days - but we feel it warrants an almost immediate re-showing.