18 May, 15:44
It's down to the wire now for the five contenders who have been shortlisted for the ultimate individual accolade in northern hemisphere rugby, ERC European Player of the Year 2013.
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14 May, 15:49
With the build-up to the Dublin 2013 European club rugby finals intensifying by the day, the four elite clubs of ASM Clermont Auvergne, Toulon, Leinster Rugby and Stade Francais Paris, who are focused on their quest for Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup silverware respectively, won't be the only clubs with Europe on their mind over the weekend of 17 and 18 May.
2 May, 18:59
Benoit August of Biarritz Olympique and Perpignan's Daniel Leo have been suspended for four weeks and two weeks respectively following citing complaints arising from last weekend's Amlin Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Heineken Cup
Heineken Cup
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18 May, 21:07
No sooner had he lifted the Heineken Cup than Jonny Wilkinson switched his focus on to the next task - trying to keep Toulon on course for a European Cup and Top 14 double.
18 May, 20:59
Bernard Laporte celebrated Toulon's 21-year wait for another trophy - but admitted he had had his doubts they would go on and lift the Heineken Cup when ASM Clermont Auvergne went nine points clear with over half an hour to play.
18 May, 19:33
Delon Armitage scored Toulon's match-winning try - but never had a doubt that Jonny Wilkinson would kick the conversion that would give them the lead for the first time with just minutes to spare.
Heineken Cup Teams
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Amlin Challenge Cup
Amlin Challenge Cup
Latest Amlin Challenge Cup News
18 May, 10:54
This one is for Joe and Isa - that was the tribute Amlin Man of the Match Jonny Sexton paid to his coach and team-mate in the wake of their 34-13 Amlin Challenge Cup final triumph over Stade Francais Paris at the RDS.
17 May, 23:37
There was another dose of European disappointment for Sergio Parisse and his team but the Stade Francais Paris captain paid handsome tribute to Leinster following their 34-13 victory at the RDS.
17 May, 23:15
Now for the elusive double - that was the defiant message from Joe Schmidt after they had lifted the third European title of his reign.
Amlin Challenge Cup Teams
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News
Warriors move up a gear
12 December 2007 11:28am
By
All Black star Rico Gear says he can't wait for Saturday's return European Challenge Cup Pool 2 match at GRAN Parma as he settles into life as a Worcester Warrior.
Gear, normally a wing, made his European debut at outside centre in Worcester's Round 3 50-0 win over GRAN Parma at a rain-swept Sixways.
Gear said: "It was my first match in seven weeks, so it was good to get out there and I really enjoyed every second.
"I'm still getting used to some of the moves and combinations, but getting 80 minutes under my belt in the European Challenge Cup certainly blew away some of the cobwebs.
"I didn't get a try and it's always nice to get across the line, but it was just nice to be involved in a winning side and put us a step nearer to the quarter-finals.
"Playing at 13 wasn't too difficult, and a few times I tried to go on the outside, but the GRAN Parma players kept it tight and didn't really give me any chances.
"The most important thing for me was that I enjoyed my first game and I'm looking forward to going to Italy next weekend and help us move a step closer to winning the Pool."
Warriors coach Mike Ruddock added: "Rico did very well - some of his passing to put people into space showed his real class. It was great to get him on to the field so he could show what he can do. He will only get better."
Gear said: "It was my first match in seven weeks, so it was good to get out there and I really enjoyed every second.
"I'm still getting used to some of the moves and combinations, but getting 80 minutes under my belt in the European Challenge Cup certainly blew away some of the cobwebs.
"I didn't get a try and it's always nice to get across the line, but it was just nice to be involved in a winning side and put us a step nearer to the quarter-finals.
"Playing at 13 wasn't too difficult, and a few times I tried to go on the outside, but the GRAN Parma players kept it tight and didn't really give me any chances.
"The most important thing for me was that I enjoyed my first game and I'm looking forward to going to Italy next weekend and help us move a step closer to winning the Pool."
Warriors coach Mike Ruddock added: "Rico did very well - some of his passing to put people into space showed his real class. It was great to get him on to the field so he could show what he can do. He will only get better."
Latest ERC TV
Latest ERC TV
18 May 13
Get the final words pf both coaches and captains ahead of the biggest club game of their careers. Press Confernce with Toulon and ASM
16 May 13
Finals Edition: Listen to the best guide to the European Rugby Cup Finals weekend in Dublin, which sees Leinster Rugby take on Stade Francais Paris at the RDS on Friday night in the Amlin Challenge Cup Final and then ASM Clermont Auvergne tackle Toulon in an all-French affair at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
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