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.
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.
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.
The 18th season of European club rugby has reached its climax and Derek McGrath, Chief Executive of ERC, looks back at the development of both the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup tournaments and ahead at the challenges faced.
Ronan O'Gara - the Heineken Cup record points scorer - has called time on his glittering playing and is to join Racing Metro 92 as the French club's half backs coach.
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.
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.
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 18th season of European club rugby has reached its climax and Derek McGrath, Chief Executive of ERC, looks back at the development of both the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup tournaments and ahead at the challenges faced.
Ronan O'Gara - the Heineken Cup record points scorer - has called time on his glittering playing and is to join Racing Metro 92 as the French club's half backs coach.
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.
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.
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.
Watch the Sky Sports ref cam used for the first time in the Heineken Cup at the Saracens v Toulon semi-final Twickenham
Referee was Alain Rolland (ireland)
ERC TV brings you behind the scenes at the epic Clermont v Munster semi-final in Montpellier. Follow the drama on and off the pitch with an exclusive view from the tunnel.
ERC Ezine
Sign up for the 'ERC Eurozone' ezine and you could win match tickets and merchandise.
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (c) in action during Toulon's Captains Run ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 17:53
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (c) in action during Toulon's Captains Run ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 17:53
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (c) in action during Toulon's Captains Run ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 17:51
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (l) walks out the tunnel during Toulon's Captains Run ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 17:50
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (l) in action during Toulon's Captains Run ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 17:50
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (2nd right) in action during Toulon's Captains Run ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 17:14
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (l) and Clermont Auvergne captain Aurelien Rougerie pose with the Heineken Cup ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 17:14
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (l) and Clermont Auvergne captain Aurelien Rougerie pose with the Heineken Cup ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 17:11
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (l) and Clermont Auvergne captain Aurelien Rougerie pose with the Heineken Cup ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 17:09
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (l) and Clermont Auvergne captain Aurelien Rougerie pose with the Heineken Cup ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 17:08
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (l) and Clermont Auvergne captain Aurelien Rougerie pose with the Heineken Cup ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 17:04
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (l) and Clermont Auvergne captain Aurelien Rougerie pose with the Heineken Cup ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 17:04
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (l) and Clermont Auvergne captain Aurelien Rougerie pose with the Heineken Cup ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 16:25
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Clermont forward Nathan Hines (l) looks on during the Clermont Auvergne captains run ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 16:23
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Clermont full back Lee Byrne (l) shares a joke during Clermont captains run ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 16:22
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Clermont full back Lee Byrne (r) shares a joke with Scott Quinnell (c) during previews ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
17/05/2013 16:22
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 17: Clermont full back Lee Byrne (r) shares a joke with Scott Quinnell (c) during previews ahead of the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 17, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
16/05/2013 17:49
David Smith (C) of Toulon is tackled by of Cardiff Blues players Sam Warburton (L) and Josh Navidi (R) during their European Rugby Cup match played at Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff, Wales on October 21,2012. AFP PHOTO/GEOFF CADDICKGEOFF CADDICK/AFP/Getty Images
16/05/2013 16:17
MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - APRIL 27: Tommy O'Donnell of Munster holds off Julien Bonnaire during the Heineken Cup semi final match between Clermont Auvergne and Munster at Stade de la Mosson on April 27, 2013 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
16/05/2013 16:14
MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - APRIL 27: Simon Zebo of Munster charges upfield during the Heineken Cup semi final match between Clermont Auvergne and Munster at Stade de la Mosson on April 27, 2013 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
16/05/2013 15:27
TOULON, FRANCE - APRIL 07: Tom Croft of Leicester is tackled by Bakkies Botha and Delon Armitage during the Heineken Cup quarter final match between Toulon and Leicester Tigers at Felix Mayol Stadium on April 7, 2013 in Toulon, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
16/05/2013 15:17
TOULON, FRANCE - APRIL 07: Toby Flood, who kick all the Leicester Tigers points looks dejected after their defeat during the Heineken Cup quarter final match between Toulon and Leicester Tigers at Felix Mayol Stadium on April 7, 2013 in Toulon, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
16/05/2013 14:36
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 07: Nick Easter of Quins is hauled down by Conor Murray and Casey Laulala of Munster during the Heineken Cup quarter final match between Harlequins and Munster at The Twickenham Stoop on April 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
16/05/2013 14:11
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Wing Chris Ashton of Saracens makes a break leading to him scoring his team's second try during the Heineken Cup quarter final match between Saracens and Ulster at Twickenham Stadium on April 6, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Stu Forster
16/05/2013 12:57
GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Freddie Burns
of Gloucester in action during the Amlin Challenge Cup Quarter Final bewteen Gloucester and Biarritz Olympique at Kingsholm Stadium on April 4, 2013 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Andrew Redington
16/05/2013 12:43
WATFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: A general view of Vicarge Road after the Heineken Cup match between Saracens and Edinburgh Rugby the last time Saracens will play at Vicarage Road on January 20, 2013 in Watford, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Warren Little
16/05/2013 12:27
VALENCIENNES, FRANCE - JANUARY 19: Stade Francais players celebrate in front of the fans after victory in the Amlin Challenge Cup between Stade Francais and London Welsh at Stade du Hainaut on January 19, 2013 in Valenciennes, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Dean Mouhtaropoulos
16/05/2013 09:00
CARDIFF, WALES - DECEMBER 09: Pierre Berard of Montpellier outpaces Rhys Patchell of Cardiff Blues during the Heineken Cup match between Cardiff Blues and Montpellier at Cardiff Arms Park on December 9, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images)
Harry Engels
16/05/2013 08:53
CARDIFF, WALES - DECEMBER 09: Mamuka Gorgodze of Montpellier dives over to score a try during the Heineken Cup match between Cardiff Blues and Montpellier at Cardiff Arms Park on December 9, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images)
Harry Engels
16/05/2013 08:25
READING, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Darren Allinson of London Irish in action during the Amlin Challenge Cup match between London Irish and Gloucester at Madejski Stadium on December 8, 2012 in Reading, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Andrew Redington
16/05/2013 05:52
READING, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Bryn Evans of London Irish scores the opening try during the Amlin Challenge Cup match between London Irish and Stade Montois-de-Marsan at Madejski Stadium on October 20, 2012 in Reading, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Warren Little
16/05/2013 05:04
SALFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: Danny Cipriani of Sale Sharks is tackled by Gavin Evans of Cardiff Blues during the Heineken Cup Pool 6 match between Sale Sharks and Cardiff Blues at Salford City Stadium on October 14, 2012 in Salford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Alex Livesey
16/05/2013 04:31
HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Fabio Staibano of Wasps dives over to score a try during the Amiln Challenge Cup match between London Wasps and Newport Gwent Dragons at Adams Park on October 13, 2012 in High Wycombe, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Richard Heathcote
16/05/2013 04:17
DUBLIN, IRELAND - OCTOBER 13: Jamie Heaslip of Leinster is tackled by Richard Baxter of Exeter Chiefs during the Heineken Cup Pool 5 match between Leinster and Exeter Chiefs at Royal Dublin Society on October 13, 2012 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Alex Livesey
16/05/2013 04:11
OXFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Lei Tomiki of Stade Francais tackles Nick Runciman of London Welsh during the Amlin Challenge Cup match between London Welsh and Stade Francais at Kassam Stadium on October 13, 2012 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Bryn Lennon
16/05/2013 02:39
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Heinke Van Der Merwe of Leinster is tackled by Craig Gilroy of Ulster as he scores a try during the Heineken Cup Final between Leinster and Ulster at Twickenham Stadium on May 19, 2012 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Jamie McDonald
16/05/2013 02:13
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Imanol Harinordoquy,(R) the Biarritz captain celebrates with team mate Sylvain Marconnet after their victory in the Amlin Challenge Cup Final between Biarritz Olympique and RC Toulon at the Stoop on May 18, 2012 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
16/05/2013 00:11
TOULON, FRANCE - APRIL 27: Jonny Wilkinson (L) of Toulon commiserates with Tom Palmer of Stade Francais as he leaves the field after scoring the last minute, match winning drop goal during the Amlin Challenge Cup semi final match between Toulon and Stade Francais at Stade Felix Mayol on April 27, 2012 in Toulon, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
29/04/2013 08:17
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Steve Borthwick the Saracens captain leads his team off the pitch after their defeat during the Heineken Cup semi final match between Saracens and Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on April 28, 2013 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
29/04/2013 08:15
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Brendan Venter, (L) the Saracens technical director and Mark McCall, the director of rugby talk tactics prior to the Heineken Cup semi final match between Saracens and Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on April 28, 2013 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
29/04/2013 08:14
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Brendan Venter, (L) the Saracens technical director and Mark McCall, the director of rugby talk tactics prior to the Heineken Cup semi final match between Saracens and Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on April 28, 2013 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
29/04/2013 08:14
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Brendan Venter, (L) the Saracens technical director and Mark McCall, the director of rugby talk tactics prior to the Heineken Cup semi final match between Saracens and Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on April 28, 2013 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
29/04/2013 08:13
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: A fan holds a sign saying that Jonny Wilkinson of Toulon should be selected for the British and Irish Lions tour during the Heineken Cup semi final match between Saracens and Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on April 28, 2013 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
29/04/2013 08:13
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: A fan holds a sign saying that Jonny Wilkinson of Toulon should be selected for the British and Irish Lions tour during the Heineken Cup semi final match between Saracens and Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on April 28, 2013 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
29/04/2013 08:13
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Andrew Sheridan of Toulon looks on during the Heineken Cup semi final match between Saracens and Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on April 28, 2013 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
29/04/2013 08:12
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Nick Kennedy of Toulon looks on during the Heineken Cup semi final match between Saracens and Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on April 28, 2013 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
29/04/2013 08:12
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Jonny Wilkinson, fans supporting the Toulon stand off celebrate after a penalty during the Heineken Cup semi final match between Saracens and Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on April 28, 2013 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
29/04/2013 08:11
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Jonny Wilkinson, fans supporting the Toulon stand off celebrate after a penalty during the Heineken Cup semi final match between Saracens and Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on April 28, 2013 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
29/04/2013 08:11
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Jonny Wilkinson, the Toulon standoff lines up a penalty during the Heineken Cup semi final match between Saracens and Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on April 28, 2013 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
David Rogers
29/04/2013 08:11
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Jonny Wilkinson, the Toulon standoff, looks on during the Heineken Cup semi final match between Saracens and Toulon at Twickenham Stadium on April 28, 2013 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)