It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

By George
It was announced at the start of December that one of rugby's true legends, George Gregan, the most capped player of all time, would be calling it a day at the end of the season. Here's arguably his finest hour - that tackle on All Blacks wing Jeff Wilson way back in 1994.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Where can I find a good sled, inflatable rings have been the best so far." - Bath wing Tom Biggs enjoys the snow. Last year. And no, the roads still haven't been cleared.

Trivia Time
Q. Who played international rugby and Test cricket for his country and refereed/umpired both sports at Test level?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Tom Pearson was 18 years and 238 days old when he scored against England on January 3, 1891.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Wales No.8 Andy Powell looks for some added support © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "No way... you actually played rugby league?"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Mike Miller - As chief executive of the IRB and a major player in Rugby World Cup Ltd, Miller has a finger in two of rugby's most important pies. With Sevens set to become an Olympic sport in 2016, Argentina joining the Tri-Nations and the Rugby World Cup heading to Japan in 2020, he will soon be overseeing a sport with greater boundaries, and commercial opportunities, than ever before.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Viard puts Baby in the corner
Here's a rewind to some Heineken Cup action from seasons past, with Montauban's Jean-Philippe Viard levelling Clermont's fullback Benoit Baby during their Pool showdown in 2008.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Watching Ali G Indahouuuuuse. Can't imagine having grandchildren and still not finding it funny. There lies your problem Oliver :-)" - Bath centre Olly Barkley. Respect.

Trivia Time
Q. Who was the youngest player to score for Wales before Tom Prydie in June 2010?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood were both born in Frimley.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

All Blacks Ali Williams and Brad Thorn find something to laugh about © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "Ohhh Look, it is my fiancee Kate. Did I tell you guys that I am getting married yet?"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Max Guazzini - The president of Top 14 aristocrats Stade Francais, Guazzini has fostered one of the game's most recognisable brands. The Parisian side's electric pink shirts and homoerotic calendars are not to the taste of everyone but under his stewardship the club has carved out its own niche in a competitive market. His run-ins with the DNACG last season, and the continuing onfield struggles of his side, will not be helping however.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Impossible is nothing
New Zealand's Dan Carter cemented his status as one of the sport's greatest ever players this year by climbing to the top of the all-time Test points scorers list. So why not check out the video below to see how he honed his kicking skills in the back yard of his childhood home thanks to a set of posts built by his father.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Just been cutting down a tree never, seen so much Stella sweating out of pores." - Welsh forward Andy Powell comes up with an alternative hangover cure.

Trivia Time
Q. England fly-halves Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood were both born in the same town - which one?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Toulon.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

HRH Prince William chats with All Blacks Dan Carter and Richie McCaw at Eden Park - but what are they saying? © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "No, I don't have gingervitis!"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Mark Egan - As the International Rugby Board's Head of Development and Performance, Egan is a key player in driving the growth of the sport around the world. Amongst other things, he must oversee Argentina's planned entry into the Four Nations alongside Australia, New Zealand and South Africa whilst ensuring the sport as a whole capitalises on Rugby 7s return to the Olympics and the competition in Rio in 2016 itself.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

The 2005 Lions tour wasn't all bad
The British & Irish Lions' tour to New Zealand may have been erased from the memory by most this side of the equator - it even appeared to have been air-brushed out of the history books by the Lions themselves when they launched their 2013 tour to Australia - but it did at least produce a memorable advert entitled 'Last Man Standing'. Brian O'Driscoll is the last Lion standing - what a shame that didn't prove to be the case on the tour itself.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"I am watching strictly come dancing for the 3rd time ever and really enjoying it. I can't get over how hot some of these women are." - Stade Francais and England star James Haskell puts his hand up for the next series of the TV dancing show.

Trivia Time
Q. Which club begin every home game with a rendition of the Pilou pilou?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - The Aviva Premiership was previously sponsored by Allied Dunbar, Zurich and Guinness while English rugby's top flight has also been sponsored by Courage.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Cardiff skipper Paul Tito gets to grips with the Saints' Dylan Hartley - but what are they saying? © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "Hey Rich, does my breath smell of mint sauce?"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Jacky Lorenzetti - Jacky Lorenzetti is the billionaire owner of French Top 14 side Racing Metro 92. Since taking charge of the club in 2006, Lorenzetti has injected new life into the five-time champions who had slipped out of the top flight. They powered back two seasons ago and Lorenzetti's wallet has bank-rolled the recruitment of the likes of Sebastien Chabal - reportedly the highest paid player in the world with an estimated €1 million per year contract - Springbok Frans Steyn and Pumas playmaker Juan Martin Hernandez. Lorenzetti has his eyes set on lifting the H-Cup crown in 2013 so expect more big names to make Colombes their home.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

"His opponent looks like he's been training down the pub"
All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams has been given the green light to continue his boxing career next year so I guess we can look forward to another mis-match like his most recent bout against Ryan 'Hulk' Hogan. Re-live the fight and I think you'll agree that SBW is not heading to Vegas any time soon.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"If anyone sees @GreenwoodRugby over the weekend kick him in the love spuds from me!!!" - ESPN analyst Austin Healey offers former England team-mate Will Greenwood a little love.

Trivia Time
Q. What companies have sponsored English club rugby's top flight - the Premiership?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Three players have been capped by Australia and New Zealnd - Des Connor - (Aus) 1958 to 1959, (NZ) 1961 to 1964;
Evan Jessep - (Aus) 1934, (NZ) 1931 to 1932; Owen Stephens - (Aus) 1973 to 1974, (NZ) 1968.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

New Zealand's Norm Hewitt fronts up to England's Richard Cockerill - but what are they saying? © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "Great! now that you're here, we can do our three stooges routine"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Paddy O'Brien - The former international referee is now the International Rugby Board's Referee Manager and as a result is in charge of the game's elite officials. He is responsible for ensuring consistency amongst referees in terms of interpretation and must also assess performances and decide who makes up the IRB Referees Panel.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

That's one big Bastareaud
Mathieu Bastareaud may have dropped off the international radar but he is still throwing his weight around (ahem) in the Top 14. Here he is levelling Rory Lamont of Toulon earlier this season.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Friendly reminder 4 my boy @Rabbit832. Don't forget to pack your hair straightener for Melbs! We all know u battled with the brissy humidity." - Australia centre Adam Ashley-Cooper fires some hair-related banter in the direction of team-mate James O'Connor.

Trivia Time
Q. How many players have been capped by both New Zealand and Australia?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Keith Wood, Fabien Galthie, Jonny Wilkinson and Shane Williams are the northern hemisphere players to have won IRB World Player of the Year.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Adam Jones and Huw Bennett catch up with Ricky Januarie © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "You never got that tan in Invercargill?!"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Greg Peters - Previously the CEO of the Hurricanes and Wellington, Peters took over the SANZAR reins from Jonathan Stones in 2010. He will lead the alliance into the most challenging and exciting period in recent memory, with the Super Rugby landscape set to change in 2011 and Argentina set to be welcome into the Tri-Nations fold in 2012. Peters previously served SANZAR as tournament director and also helped to broker their lucrative TV deals in 2003 and 2004.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Dead Cat Bounce
Irish comedy band Dead Cat Bounce serve up a few laughs at the expense of the sport we love with their song entitled simply - 'Rugby'.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"This is AWESOME Snow is off the hook, My 1st time experiencing snow! WOW" - All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino makes another appearance in our Hall of Fame thanks to his enthusiasm for the wintry weather in the UK.

Trivia Time
Q. Can you name the four northern hemisphere players to have won the IRB Player of the Year honour?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Ireland's Mike Gibson became rugby's first replacement when called from the bench to replace an injured Barry John as the Lions lost to South Africa in Pretoria in 1968.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward offers some advice to Wales' Gavin Henson - but what are they saying? © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "Let's see The Beast take me on now!"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Mark McCafferty - As chief executive of Premiership Rugby, the umbrella body representing the 12 Aviva Premiership teams, McCafferty is responsible for protecting and furthering the interests of English rugby's leading clubs. Having succeeded Howard Thomas in 2005, McCafferty has played a key role in the development of the Premiership with lucrative sponsorship deals with Guinness and Aviva and broadcasting agreements with Sky Sports, ITV and ESPN helping to cement the league status as one of the leading competitions in world rugby.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Making friends
It took the supremely gifted Rupeni Caucaunibuca just 12 minutes of his Toulouse debut to make an impact...on Julien Malzieu.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Can't believe @ollymorgs has forked out on a 3D tv. Think he wants to check his hairline up close!" - Gloucester flanker Andy Hazell enjoys a joke at the expense of team-mate Olly Morgan.

Trivia Time
Q. Who was the first replacement in the history of international rugby?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Frano Botica played two World Cup qualifiers for Croatia.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Why is Phil Vickery brandishing a golf club? © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "See quade, tackling is easy!"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Dan Carter - Arguably the greatest player in the world, Carter's winning mix of talent and looks make him a marketing man's dream. Perpignan took the bait in 2008 to sign the All Black on a lucrative deal worth in the region of £618,000 and following next year's Rugby World Cup he could demand an even larger fee to return north. Also took Jonny Wilkinson's world points record on New Zealand's recent Grand Slam tour.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Follow up
Stade Francais wing Ollie Phillips took a break from the world of Twitter recently to showcase the worth of chasing up a penalty kick with a try against fierce rivals Racing Metro.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Punched out a few laps in the pool instead of weights today and I have a new found appreciation for swimmers.. My big ass was like an anchor." - Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell turns to one of Australia's most popular sports with little success.

Trivia Time
Q. Former All Black fly-half Frano Botica played for which other country between 1997 and 1998?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Doug Howlett (Blues & Munster) and Rod Kafer (Brumbies & Leicester) have both started winning Heineken Cup and Super Rugby finals.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Wallabies boss Robbie Deans puts the shoulder in during training - but why? © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "You can eat his arms if I can have his legs"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

John O'Neill - CEO of the Australian Rugby Union, O'Neill's often outspoken and controversial statements have added to his stature within the game - with those both inside and outside the ARU having been subjected to his scrutiny. He successfully oversaw the 2003 Rugby World Cup Down Under as the ARU reaped financial rewards and subsequently enjoyed a spell with the Football Federation of Australia during the 2006 World Cup. A supporter of the ELVs, he returned to the ARU prior to the 2007 Rugby World Cup and has recently overseen the emergence of Robbie Deans' whip-smart young Wallabies side.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Can he kick it?
It may be one of the more unpopular aspects of the French game, but their love of the drop-goal has struck a chord with Frans Steyn. He was always partial to a pot at the sticks but this effort for Racing Metro against Clermont Auvergne needs to be seen to be believed.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Off to a promo for bundaberg rum.. should be fun.. Hope Will genia brings his high chair!!" - The Faingaa twins - Saia and Anthony - share a Twitter account and also a love for insulting team-mate Will Genia.

Trivia Time
Q.Two men have won both the Heineken Cup and Super Rugby titles after starting in the finals, who are they?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Legendary Irish lock Willie John McBride played a record 17 Tests for the Lions between 1962 and 1974.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Lionel Nallet and Sebastien Chabal loom large over winger Marc Andreu - what advice are they passing on? © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "This will look good in my kebab shop."

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Martin Johnson - As a player he commanded respect and led England to the Rugby World Cup in 2003, but as a manager he has endured a more rocky road. Nevertheless, with the might of the RFU behind him and the collective awe of a country's fans at his command, Johnson remains a major player in the world game. Should he continue to mastermind a resurgence in England's fortunes in the forthcoming Six Nations and Rugby World Cup his stock will rise further - perhaps putting him in the shop window for an appointment with the Lions in 2013.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Would they let that clown talk to them?
With Brendan Venter's bizarre interview still bouncing around world we offer up two other rugby personalities to have made some waves with some comments on camera. Step forward former Wallaby Brendan Cannon and gaffe-prone Springboks coach Peter de Villiers.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"@willcarling At Uni had comp to eat the whole McD's menu - I didn't make it, my mate did, min you he coukld also drink a bottle of tabasco" - Ex-England hooker Brian Moore swaps uni tales with former team-mate Will Carling

Trivia Time
Q. Which player can boast the most Test appearances for the British & Irish Lions?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa and Samoa are the only countries to have laid claim to the IRB Sevens Series title.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Caption Comp: A lucky fan gets up close to the Rugby World Cup - but what is he thinking?© Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "Thank god we're not props otherwise that shark would have chowed down on us like he did on Duncan Bell!"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Nigel Melville - A former England captain, Melville is currently chief executive and President of Rugby Operations for USA Rugby a post he has held since 2006. His quest to convince the world's third most populous country take up the sport en masse continues with the return of Rugby 7s to the Olympic programme set to bolster those efforts. And should he succeed in lifting the sport's profile the Eagles are set to emerge as a major player on the world stage.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Venter talking gibberish
We didn't have to look to far for our latest video delight. Brendan Venter's bizarre post-match interview following his side's Heineken Cup loss to Racing Metro gets funnier with every viewing. You may or may not agree with the manner in which he chose to obviously protest at his treatments by Heineken Cup officials earlier this season (he was fined for criticising a referee) but you can't deny the comic value.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Watching the Austrailia vs. England Rugby game. Rugby is far more dangerous than American Football! Wonder if I'd be any good at Rugby? " - NFL star Reggie Bush is taken with rugby and ponders a career change.

Trivia Time
Q. Name the four countries to have won the IRB Sevens World Series title?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - The Crusaders have claimed the Super Rugby crown seven times.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Caption Comp: England's Danny Care, David Strettle, Chris Ashton, Shontayne Hape and Ugo Monye joke after diving with sharks at Ocean World in Sydney earlier this year© Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: Rob Andrew: What's my job again? - Martin Johnson: I've been wondering that myself

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Martin Snedden - A former New Zealand Test cricketer, Snedden later served as chief executive of New Zealand cricket but his place in our list is secured due to his current role as boss of Rugby New Zealand 2011 - the organisers of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The world will descend on New Zealand in less than a year and Snedden is set to have a major say on how the tournament is received amongst fans and the global audience. His handling of the event will be a key factor in whether the sport as a whole kicks on from the the 2007 Rugby World Cup staged in France. The decision to hand New Zealand the tournament drew criticism from some quarters but Snedden has rolled out the welcome mat and promised a tournament to remember.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

137 points, 18 tries and zero tackles
Following the November internationals the sport would appear to be in reasonably good health but just a few short months ago fans and pundits alike were fearing the game had taken a turn for the worse following the Chiefs' mind-blowing 72-65 victory over the Lions in their Super 14 clash in Johannesburg. With a grand total of 137 points the teams comfortably beat the previous record of 118, set in Natal's 75-43 win over the Highlanders back in 1997. The 18 tries scored was also a record, surpassing the 14 touchdowns in the Crusaders' 96-19 victory over the Waratahs in 2002.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"@IamAustinHealey last time I checked I scored 31 international tries and you scored 14? Weren't you supposed to be quick?" - Sky Sports pundit Will Greenwood

"@GreenwoodRugby your maths has let you down again I scored 22 and set up at least 10 of yours which puts me in lead." - ESPN analyst Austin Healey

Former England team-mates, house mates and friends Will Greenwood and Austin Healey engage in a little online banter.

Trivia Time
Q. How many times have the Crusaders claimed the Super Rugby crown?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - England's Ben Clarke was the first international to be yellow-carded when he was sin-binned for stamping on Ireland's Simon Geoghegan during their match at Lansdowne Road, Dublin in 1995.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Caption Comp: RFU director of elite rugby Rob Andrew pictured with RFU chief executive John Steele and England manager Martin Johnson - but what are they saying?© Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "I don't care if you won the World Cup playing that way - we're doing this my way or it's the highway for you John my lad."

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Jonny Wilkinson - The world-famous fly-half may not be the first choice No.10 for England and he may have been usurped at the top of the all-time Test points standings but his status as one of the most recogniseable faces in the world game mean he remains a bankable name as a string of endorsments would testify. And having rediscovered his fitness and form in the South of France it appears the veteran has no intention of stepping away from centre stage just yet.

Saracens boss Brendan Venter ended his self-imposed media ban following his side's Heineken Cup defeat at the hands of Racing Metro on Saturday with a bizarre and comical outburst that was clearly aimed at European Rugby Cup officials who handed him a £23,000 fine earlier this season for offering an opinion - a strong one at that - on the standard of refereeing in the competition.

You have to feel for the interviewer Martin Gillingham but maybe he and Sky Sports were in on the joke? I think you'll agree that he was trying to make a point about his earlier treatment by being as banal and non-committal as possible. But was he right to make such a statement - or non-statement? Saracens' chief executive Edward Griffiths commented, "That's what you call an ERC-style interview."

It is a shame that players, coaches or even referees are unable to speak their mind or cannot do so for fear of sanction. The game as a whole is surely more appealing when it is laced with that kind of honesty? That's the sort of opinion fans want to hear and broadcasters would lap it up. Or do we want to encourage the kind of colourless landscape that does football a disservice?

Venter is a real character and it is a shame that he will not grace the English rugby stage with such regularity come the New Year following his decision to step back from his current role and return to South Africa. He insisted family reasons were behind the headline-grabbing move although his treatment from the sport's regulators may well have played a role.

Love him or loathe him, he is always good value and the game in England will be poorer having lost such a passionate figure.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

What if I told you a victory could unite a nation?
If you are yet to immerse yourself in ESPN's ground-breaking 30for30 documentary series then I would urge you to do so - such is the quality of the work by some of the finest storytellers around. Rugby is lucky enough to get a look in thanks to Clifford Bestall's production - The 16th Man - based on the events surrounding the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa and the power of the sport and Nelson Mandela to unite a nation.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Ankle again. Bad times. It's a dark day and it will be three long months."
Leicester's Jordan Crane reveals the extent of an injury on the micro-blogging site before consulting with his boss Richard Cockerill who responded with the following: "Jordan is banned from tweeting or whatever you call it. The next time he does it I'll break both his ankles!"

Trivia Time
Q. Who was the first player yellow-carded in an international match?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Warren Gatland warmed the bench for the All Blacks on 20 occasions without earning a single Test cap.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Caption Comp: Springboks captain John Smit and coach Peter de Villiers have a chat - but what are they saying?. © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "Time for the English Rugby Union Team's Annual Prostrate examination......Me first please...."

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Derek McGrath - McGrath is the chief executive of European Rugby Cup - the body that organises the most prestigious and exciting club rugby competition in the northern hemisphere - the Heineken Cup - and the second tier Amlin Challenge Cup. A former Irish international, and a qualified veterinary surgeon, he took charge of ERC in 2000 just as the Heineken Cup was beginning to find its feet as a competition and has spearheaded development into one of the sport's trump cards.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Nigel Owens gets nailed
It's always funny when the referee takes a tumble and we're sure this clip of Nigel Owens getting clattered will raise a smile. Owens hits the deck thanks to a violent shove from South Africa's Juan Smith before Schalk Burger gets in on the action by trampling the Welshman into the ground. Just a shame one of the good refs had to get this treatment!

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Wayne Barnes...hang your head pal!! Reward the team who want to play rugby, not just kick penalties!!!"
Quins' Danny Care books himself a date with Judge Jeff Blackett following an ill-judged rant about referee Wayne Barnes.

Trivia Time
Q. How many times did Warren Gatland warm the All Blacks' replacement bench without ever earning a Test cap?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Former Australia captain George Gregan who won 93 of the 139 Test matches he played in.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Caption Comp: ESPN analyst Austin Healey pictured during his playing days - but what is he saying? Keep it clean-ish. © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "Oh dear - did I really disallow that Brumbies try?"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Damian Hopley - Hopley played for Wasps and England but was forced to retire from professional rugby in 1998 after a series of knee operations. He went on to found the Rugby Players' Association that same year. Ever since he has been the driving force behind the RPA and his influence ensures that players' rights are protected and represented at all levels within the sport. He has been the principal negotiator for both the England and British & Irish Lions players' contracts since 2001. He is also currently Chairman of the International Rugby Players' Association (IRPA).

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

"Even the crowd were starting to laugh"
French rugby found itself the subject of two diplomatic incidents in 2009 - the Mathieu Bastareaud scandal and the much more amusing Ras Dumisani anthem shocker. "It was a joke out there," said Springboks veteran Victor Matfield when recalling the rasta star's performance of the South African national anthem ahead of their end of year clash with France. "The guys couldn't sing along to it and even the crowd were starting to laugh. It was very disappointing."

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"What does man do when life hands him a loss? Man buy speakers."
The Bulls' Dewald Potgieter resorts to a bit of retail therapy following a defeat.

Trivia Time
Q. Which player can boast the most Test victories in his career?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - England's Jason Leonard appeared in a total of 22 World Cup matches during appearances at the 1991, 1995, 1999 and 2003 tournaments.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Caption Comp: Headline-grabbing referee Steve Walsh has a thought - but what is he thinking? © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "Mate - you shouldn't have used double-sided tape on your head!"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Bernard Lapasset - As the chairman of not only the International Rugby Board but also Rugby World Cup Limited, Lapasset is in charge of the game's ultimate governing body and the sport's showpiece event. A former president of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), he officially succeeded Syd Millar as the sport's figurehead in 2008 having organised Rugby World Cup 2007 in France. His four-year term has already seen Rugby 7s return to the Olympic stage and will include rugby's seventh global gathering in New Zealand next year.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Will Carling teaches Mr Blobby how to play rugby
Long before X-Factor dominated the Saturday night TV schedules in the UK, a strange show called Noel's House Party used to captivate the nation. The show gave birth to the character of Mr Blobby and the 'Gotcha' prank award - on this occasion awarded to the then England rugby captain Will Carling.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"The world is against me. KFC has actually run out of chicken. Hmmmm probably a good thing..."
Bath prop Duncan Bell makes his second appearance in our Hall of Fame after being thwarted in his attempt to get a fast food fix.

Trivia Time
Q. Which player has appeared in the most Rugby World Cup matches?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Salvatore Perugini - the Italy prop has to date racked up 75 Test caps for the Azzurri in a 10-year international career but he is yet to register a point.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Caption Comp: England's Andrew Sheridan fronts up to Australia's Matt Dunning - but what are they saying? © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "Us props know all the tricks in the book."

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Bart Campbell - As chief executive of one of the world's biggest sports marketing and player management companies, Essentially, Campbell has a significant interest in the game. His company represents some of the sport's leading lights - including three-time IRB Player of the Year and All Blacks captain Richie McCaw - and also has commercial deals in place with the British & Irish Lions, Welsh Rugby Union, Scottish Rugby, the Magners League, the IRB World Sevens Series and European Rugby Cup.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Clever clogs
While losing heavily to the Reds in Brisbane, Western Force fullback Dane Haylett-Petty decided to try his hand at a wee bit of trickery. It did not go well.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Very good day at shanks wedding yesterday, was good to see @gareththomas14 still gets dressed in the dark ...."
Cardiff Blues scrum-half Richie Rees takes a swipe at Wales legend Gareth Thomas' style following the wedding of team-mate Tom Shanklin.

Trivia Time
Q. Who is the most-capped player to have not registered a point at Test level?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Four England internationals have played Super Rugby: Julian White, Kevin Yates, Riki Flutey and Andy Goode.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Caption Comp: Springbok scrum coach Os Du Randt © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "You have to be prepared to do whatever it takes to get to that bar."

Rugby's Most Influential People

We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Andy Irvine - Recently selected as manager for the British & Irish Lions' tour to Australia in 2013. Irvine won 51 caps for Scotland in a glittering playing career, touring with the Lions on three occasions following his bow on their famous 1974 trip to South Africa. He will now lead the search for a coach and help to shape the dynamic of the tour - a tradition held close to the heart of the Home Unions and their fans.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Welcome to the family
The younger Tuilagi, Manu, is certainly cut from the family cloth. Here he is levelling Tom Williams during Leicester's showdown with Harlequins a couple of weeks ago.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"random question, but does Jordan(Katie Price) have real eyebrows or are they painted or tattooed on? Surely she didn't opt for that look!!"
A small snippet from Lote Tuqiri's time in England with Leicester Tigers.

Trivia Time
Q. How many England internationals have played Super Rugby?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Mauro Bergamasco has played three positions at Test level - flanker, wing and scrum-half.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Caption Comp: Scotland boss Andy Robinson hits the tackle bags © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "brad, you smell like a father figure."

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Pierre Camou - President of the FFR - France's national governing body. He previously served as Vice President of the Centre National du Rugby (CNR) in Marcoussis and also worked as President of the Cote Basque - Landes rugby committee for 12 years. Upon his election in 2008 he pledged to give more power to the clubs and recently signalled his intention to take the national side away from the Stade de France.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Super Cooper
It was a big year for the 'Quade Train' as he established himself at Test level, but for our money his best work was done in a Queensland jersey. This pass against the Highlanders makes us weak at the knees.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"I'll have you know that @jameshaskell asks to do this to me as he says he finds my hair 'offensive' and it makes him want to vomit!!"
Stade Francais wing Ollie Phillips offers another insight into his life in Paris with room-mate James Haskell - a group shaving session.

Trivia Time
Q. How many different positions has Italy's Mauro Bergamasco played at Test level?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Stephen Jones has played 11 losing Tests against the All Blacks.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Caption Comp: Brad Thorn and Sonny Bill Williams celebrate victory over Wales © Getty Images

Yesterday's winner for this photo: "Now where did I drop that contact lens?"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Steve Tew - As chief executive of the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Tew has one of the rugby world's most challenging and high-profile jobs. The former boss at Canterbury and a key figure in the emergence of the Crusaders as a force in Super Rugby, Tew is the figurehead for the game in one of the most unforgiving hotbeds of rugby talent and also the man charged with the proper management of rugby's most recognisable brand: the All Blacks.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your next dose of festive fun!

Top Gear
The New Zealand Maori enjoyed their centenary celebrations back in June, beating Ireland and England, and Hosea Gear began a whirlwind few months that culminated in an All Black recall. Here's his length-of-the-field try against England - it's a beaut.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"is not joining LeBron James, D-Wade and Chris Bosh at the Miami Heat. Apparently he is too short, too slow and too s**t. Whatever."
Leicester hooker George Chuter fumes after not making the cut to join the great and good at the Miami Heat.

Trivia Time
Q. How many times has Wales fly-half Stephen Jones faced the All Blacks without a victory?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer -17 players have broken the 100 Test barrier.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Caption Comp: Nick Abendanon feels the force of a hit from George Stowers - what's he thinking? © Getty Images

Yesterday's winning caption for this photo: "Cipriani: "I used to play a bit you know, now the nearest I get to the Twickenham pitch is serving this food"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Judge Jeff Blackett - It may be a sad indictment that a judicial officer has such a high profile in the game, but Blackett - a former Judge Advocate General of the Armed Forces - has become a front-line presence in recent seasons. Having presided over Harlequins' 'Bloodgate' scandal and the bans against five Bath players for drug-related offences in 2009, Blackett was granted a seat on the RFU's 'Image of the Game' panel and is set to run a rule over the sport for some time to come.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Comic skills to pay the bills
The All Blacks threw down the comedy gauntlet with their little promo for the New Zealand-based Rugby Channel but those quick-witted guys at the Brumbies picked it up and ran with it to hilarious comic effect. Check out both below.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Just SMASHED 10 weetbix for breaky, sheesh thats my record!"
The best blindside in the world - All Black Jerome Kaino - is evidently also set the bar when it comes to breakfast.

Trivia Time
Q. How many players have reached the 100 Test caps landmark?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - 99: Henry won 20 with Wales, 1 with the British & Irish Lions and has 77 Test wins as All Blacks head coach. Reports of his century were premature as two of Wales' Test victories during his tenure were during the Lions' tour of Australia in 2001 when Lynn Howells coached the Welsh side in Henry's absence with the Welsh Rugby Union crediting the latter with the victories.)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot. Entries will appear in the comments section below.

Caption Comp: DC meets DC - Danny Cipriani chats to Dan Carter - but what are they saying? © Getty Images

Yesterday's winning caption for this photo: "I think I stamped on Richie McCaw a little bit too hard"

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Mourad Boudjellal - The comic book millionnaire and Toulon president has atrracted a procession of the world's finest players to the south of France including the likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Tana Umaga, Sonny Bill Williams, Victor Matfield, Carl Hayman, George Smith, George Gregan. He is unlikely to stop spending until his side regains the Top 14 crown.

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to offer the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown for your amusement.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our latest offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Don't leave me hanging
Six seconds of video gold. It's rare that the All Blacks are a laughing stock which perhaps makes this clip of scrum-half Jimmy Cowan getting rejected even better.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Cream cheese bagel and cappucino.....goes down like a homesick mole:)"
Ulster prop BJ Botha delights in a light refreshment.

Trivia Time
Q. How many Test victories can Graham Henry boast as a coach?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer! Yesterday's answer - Five of the England squad that faced South Africa last weekend were not born in England: Hape - New Zealand, Hartley - New Zealand, Shaw - Kenya, Fourie - South Africa, Banahan - Jersey)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot - entries appear in comments section below.

Caption Comp: South Africa's Bakkies Botha...we're not sure what he's doing © Getty Images

Yesterday's winning caption for this photo: "This is a phone. It is what backs use to call their mums when they have got hurt."

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

John Steele - A former player, coach and director of Northampton Saints and chief executive of UK Sport, Steele is currently the main man at the Rugby Football Union. The RFU is the sport's richest governing body and responsible for the interests of, "over 2.25million players, almost 2,000 rugby clubs, 3,100 schools, more than 37,000 referees, in excess of 74,000 coaches and over 58,000 volunters."

It's that time of year again and we're delighted to herald the return of the ESPNscrum Festive Countdown.

We'll be counting down the days until the big one with an assortment of trivia and novelties to hopefully raise a smile or two. Check out our first offering below and be sure to check back tomorrow for your latest dose of festive fun!

Was there any need?
Todd Clever is one of the more well-travelled USA Eagles, having plied his trade for North Harbour in New Zealand, the Lions in South Africa and Suntory in Japan. He's also clocked up a few passport stamps on behalf of the USA 7s side and memorably racked up a few air miles in George last year.

Twitter's Rugby Hall of Fame
Our Tweet Treats feature has entertained throughout the year with some colourful soundbites from rugby's Twitterati but only the 'best' make the Hall of Fame.

"Going unintentionally commando. Not good after a long sweaty run."
Bath and England prop Duncan Bell goes public with something he shouldn't have.

Trivia Time
Q. How many players from England's matchday squad that faced South Africa last weekend were NOT born in England?

(Stumped? Check back tomorrow for the answer!)

Caption Comp
We provide the picture. You provide the caption. Simple. No prizes except bragging rights among our faithful following. Check out the picture below and then click here to give it your best shot

Caption Comp: The All Blacks gather round physio Peter Gallagher's phone - but what are they saying? Let us know! © Getty Images

Rugby's Most Influential People
We recently featured a list of rugby's most influential people as compiled at the recent RugbyExpo in London. It generated a fair bit of debate and many of you, like us, found fault with the selection. Over the coming days we will offer our own list of powerbrokers but to keep you guessing we'll leave official ESPNscrum Power List ranking to the very end!

Rupert Murdoch - The Australian-born media magnate and the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of News Corporation bankrolls rugby in the southern hemisphere - and has done for years - thanks to big-money broadcasting deals that under-pin Super Rugby and the Tri-Nations.