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.




The French lock underwent an operation on an Achilles tendon on Monday, which puts him out of action for six months, and, significantly for his country, leaving France coach Bernard Laporte with a serious lack of second rows.
Former skipper Fabien Pelous is already a doubt for the opening match against Ireland after injuring his knee against Biarritz two weeks ago, while Olivier Brouzet is recovering from a shoulder operation. Stade Francais lock David Auradou will undergo a scan on an injured calf this week.