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!

Slugging Sonny

Sonny Bill Williams was never too far away from the headlines once again this past year whether for Chiefs, the All Blacks or in the boxing ring where he laid claim to the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association heavyweight championship belt crown back in February. His first round knock out of Auckland-based American Clarence Tillman stretched his unbeaten record to five - three of which have come by knockout. He will be back in the ring on February 8 for a World Boxing Association international title fight against South Africa's Francois Botha.

Quote Unquote

"That scoreline is a bit embarrassing."
- Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll accepts his side's 60-0 hammering by the All Blacks does not read well.

Trivia Time

Who was the leading Test try-scorer in the 1980s? Click here for the answer

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.

Provincial rugby has no future
"To put it bluntly, provincial rugby in New Zealand has no future, is doomed, is finished."
Turner offered some harsh truths for the New Zealand Rugby Union back in March.

Picture Perfect

We've also trawled the archives for some of the best shots of year for your visual pleasure - here tap into the pain of Clermont Auvergne's Heineken Cup semi-final defeat to Leinster back in April.