ESPNscrum Festive Countdown - December 21
Salary cap and Zidane
ESPN Staff
December 21, 2012

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!

A day in the life...

Test referee Dave Pearson hung up his whistle this year in favour of moving to a role with the Six Nations that sees him become their elite referee coach. They are much maligned, the men in the middle, but the ESPN cameras got a chance to see what life is like behind the whistle prior to his final professional game in charge.

Dave Pearson on life as a referee
Related Links

Quote unquote

"We have Zidane, they have Jonny."
Toulon boss Bernard Laporte heaps praise on fly-half Jonny Wilkinson

Trivia Time

Who is the youngest player to have turned out in a Test for the Lions? 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.

The 4.25 million pound question

The Premiership's leading clubs missed out on Heineken Cup silverware in 2012, so Tackling Rugby asked whether English rugby's top flight should increase their salary cap

Picture Perfect

We've also trawled the archives for some of the best shots of year for your visual pleasure. Here we see the outline of one of Wales' favourite sons - Adam Jones.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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