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!

Seeing Red ...

Gloucester lock Jim Hamilton recently announced that he will be leaving the Aviva Premiership and there will be a few opponents breathing a little easier. Here the giant Scot comes to blows with London Irish's David Paice during the Exiles' crushing 52-18 victory at the Madejski Stadium last May. The pair are sinbinned by referee Dave Pearson for exchanging punches before they traded blows again on the way to the touchline, sparking a mass confrontation. The pair were both banned for seven weeks for the incident.

Quote unquote

"French rugby is racist. It reflects a France which is very inward-looking and conservative."
Outspoken Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal goes on the offensive - again

Trivia Time

Who was the top try scorer in international rugby this year? 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.

Leading the Lions
British & Irish Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan tells Graham Jenkins why Warren Gatland was the right choice to coach the Lions and how they can claim a first series victory since 1997 in Australia.

Picture Perfect

We've also trawled the archives for some of the best shots of year for your visual pleasure. Here New Zealand's Mark Jackman scores a try and takes out a camerman at the London Sevens.