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.




Bristol Shoguns coach Peter Thorburn is pleased his players have given themselves a Heineken Cup lifeline with their gutsy 30-22 away victory over Montferrand.
"I thought the Bristol players showed great courage and tenacity out there in difficult conditions," the New Zealander said. "It is the first time I've seen in a game in the snow and it must have been minus 5 out there.
"We had to win this game and we've got to win next weekend at home to Leinster and then we're in with a chance of a quarter-final place. A win next weekend will be a payback to out loyal supporters, including the 70 or so who were at this game.
"Sure we made some mistakes in the first half but the important thing is that we stuck at it. I think that the players have learnt from the Swansea defeat and I was proud of everyone's second half performance.
"Having said that, for us to qualify it will be a mighty ask."