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 panel of Wyn Williams (WRU, chairman), Caleb Powell (IRFU) and Phil Orr (IRFU) heard citing complaints made against Budge Pountney and Matt Stewart (both Northampton Saints) and Thomas Lievremont (Biarritz Olympique).
After examining the evidence the panel dismissed all three citing complaints.
The case against the Northampton skipper Pountney, brought for alleged reckless use of the boot, was dismissed on the grounds the incident had been dealt with by the referee, who awarded a penalty against the player.
The case against the Northampton prop Stewart, also for alleged reckless use of the boot, was dismissed on similar grounds, that the referee had awarded a penalty against the player.
In the case of the Biarritz No 8 Lievremont, who was cited for an alleged punch, the committee dismissed the case because the complaint was received outside the time limit (50 hours after the kick-off of the game in question) given to all clubs to submit the relevant paperwork to allow a citing to proceed.