Best to captain Ireland tour squad

Ulster Rugby hooker Rory Best - disappointed to miss out on selection for the British & Irish Lions tour squad - will captain Ireland on their North America tour this summer.

24 Heineken Cup contenders now confirmed

Following the epic Dublin 2013 finals which featured Heineken Cup success for Toulon and an Amlin Challenge Cup victory for Leinster Rugby, there was good news on the qualification front for Perpignan and Connacht Rugby who both secured places in the 2013/14 Heineken Cup.

Jonny - we are not finished yet

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.

Our defence won it - Laporte

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.

Jonny was never going to miss - Armitage

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.

Toulon are champions - and paint Dublin red

Toulon are the Heineken Cup champions - but they had to come back from a nine-point deficit to stun ASM Clermont Auvergne with a 16-15 victory built on sheer never-say-die grit and determination.

Contenders to battle it out for prestigious accolade

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.

ERC Ezine

Quarter-Finals

Quarter Finals

ASM Clermont Auvergne

	12-18
The Twickenham Stoop, Twickenham
Sunday 7th April 2013, 14:00 local time
Overview

	36-14
Stade Marcel Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand
Saturday 6th April 2013, 16:40 local time
Overview

	21-15
Stade Félix Mayol, Toulon
Sunday 7th April 2013, 17:30 local time
Overview

	27-16
Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham
Saturday 6th April 2013, 18:30 local time
Overview

Semi-Finals

Semi Finals

ASM Clermont Auvergne

Munster Rugby

Saracens

Toulon

	16-10
Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier
Saturday 27th April 2013, 18:00 local time
Overview

	12-24
Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham
Sunday 28th April 2013, 15:00 local time
Overview

Final

The Final

	15-16
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Saturday 18th May 2013, 17:00 local time
Overview

Quarter-Finals

Quarter Finals

Bath Rugby

Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque

	20-36
Recreation Ground, Bath
Saturday 6th April 2013, 13:00 local time
Overview

	31-41
Kingsholm, Gloucester
Thursday 4th April 2013, 20:00 local time
Overview

	30-19
Stade Aimé Giral, Perpignan
Friday 5th April 2013, 21:00 local time
Overview

	28-48
Adams Park, High Wycombe
Friday 5th April 2013, 20:00 local time
Overview

Semi-Finals

Semi Finals

Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque

Leinster Rugby

Perpignan

Stade Francais Paris

	22-25
Stade Aimé Giral, Perpignan
Friday 26th April 2013, 21:00 local time
Overview

	44-16
RDS, Dublin
Saturday 27th April 2013, 14:30 local time
Overview

Final

The Final

	34-13
RDS, Dublin
Friday 17th May 2013, 20:00 local time
Overview

Live Images

18/05/2013 20:41

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Jonny Wilkinson, (R) the Toulon Captain celebrates with team mate Carl Hayman after thier team's victory at the end of the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:41

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Mourad Boudjellal owner of RC Toulon celebrates their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:40

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Mourad Boudjellal owner of RC Toulon celebrates their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:40

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Mourad Boudjellal owner of RC Toulon celebrates their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:37

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Delon Armitage of Toulon celebrates after scoring a try during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:37

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Jonny Wilkinson of Toulon looks on during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:37

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Try scorer Delon Armitage of Toulon celebrate after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:35

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (r) lifts the trophy with team mates after the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster
18/05/2013 20:35

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (r) lifts the trophy with team mates after the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster
18/05/2013 20:34

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Jonny Wilkinson of Toulon kicks the match winning conversion during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:34

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Jonny Wilkinson of Toulon kicks the match winning conversion during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:32

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Naipolioni Nalaga of ASM Clermont Auvergne is tackled by Gethin Jenkins and Delon Armitage of Toulon (r) during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Ian Walton
18/05/2013 20:29

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Toulon player Delon Armitage (c) and Matt Giteau (2nd left) celebrate after the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster
18/05/2013 20:27

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Nathan Hines of ASM Clermont Auvergne and Nick Kennedy of Toulon leap for the ball during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Ian Walton
18/05/2013 20:27

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Toulon players Delon Armitage (l) and Matt Giteau celebrate after the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster
18/05/2013 20:25

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Delon Armitage (top) celebrates after the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster
18/05/2013 20:25

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Lee Byrne of ASM Clermont Auvergne is tackled by Alexis Palisson of Toulon during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Ian Walton
18/05/2013 20:25

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Lee Byrne of ASM Clermont Auvergne is tackled by Alexis Palisson of Toulon during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Ian Walton
18/05/2013 20:24

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (r) lifts the trophy with team mates after the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster
18/05/2013 20:24

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Julien Bardy of ASM Clermont Auvergne tackles Jonny Wilkinson of Toulon during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Ian Walton
18/05/2013 20:24

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Jonny Wilkinson, (R) the Toulon Captain celebrates with team mate Carl Hayman after thier team's victory at the end of the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:23

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Nick Kennedy of Toulon holds the trophy after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:23

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Nick Kennedy of Toulon holds the trophy after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:23

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Nathan Hines of ASM Clermont Auvergne dives for a loose ball during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Ian Walton
18/05/2013 20:23

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Matt Giteau of Toulon celebrates after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:22

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Nick Kennedy (L) and Bakkies Botha of Toulon celebrate their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:21

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Steffon Armitage (L) and his brother Delon of Toulon celebrate their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:21

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Nick Kennedy of Toulon wins the ball during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Ian Walton
18/05/2013 20:20

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Mathieu Bastareaud (L) and Jonny Wilkinson charge down a late drop goal attempt by David Skrela during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:20

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Mathieu Bastareaud (L) and Jonny Wilkinson charge down a late drop goal attempt by David Skrela during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:20

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Frederic Michalak of Toulon tangles with Julien Bardy of ASM Clermont Auvergne during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Ian Walton
18/05/2013 20:20

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Frederic Michalak of Toulon tangles with Julien Bardy of ASM Clermont Auvergne during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Ian Walton
18/05/2013 20:19

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Mathieu Bastareaud of Toulon raises the Cup after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:19

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Mathieu Bastareaud of Toulon raises the Cup after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:19

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe of Toulon tackles Wesley Fofana of ASM Clermont Auvergne during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Ian Walton
18/05/2013 20:18

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Jonny Wilkinson (R) and Joe van Niekerk of Toulon raise the Heineken Cup after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:18

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Jonny Wilkinson (R) and Joe van Niekerk of Toulon raise the Heineken Cup after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:18

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Sitiveni Sivivatu of ASM Clermont Auvergne is challenged by Nick Kennedy of Toulon during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Ian Walton
18/05/2013 20:18

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Sitiveni Sivivatu of ASM Clermont Auvergne is challenged by Nick Kennedy of Toulon during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Ian Walton
18/05/2013 20:18

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Jonny Wilkinson (R) and Joe van Niekerk of Toulon raise the Heineken Cup after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:18

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Jonny Wilkinson (R) and Joe van Niekerk of Toulon raise the Heineken Cup after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:16

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Jonny Wilkinson, the Toulon captain holds the Cup after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:16

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Jonny Wilkinson, the Toulon captain holds the Cup after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:16

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Jonny Wilkinson, the Toulon captain holds the Cup after their victory during the Heineken Cup final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

David Rogers
18/05/2013 20:13

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson kicks his third penalty of the game during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster
18/05/2013 20:11

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Toulon player Delon Armitage dives in for a try watched by Brock James of Clermont during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster
18/05/2013 20:11

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Toulon player Delon Armitage dives in for a try watched by Brock James of Clermont during the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster
18/05/2013 20:08

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Toulon captain Jonny Wilkinson (l) consoles Clermont fullback Lee Byrne after the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster
18/05/2013 20:06

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: The Toulon team celebrate after the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster
18/05/2013 20:06

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Delon Armitage (c) floor and the Toulon team celebrate after the Heineken Cup final match between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster

Full size images

Latest Tweets

ERC Rugby @ercrugby

@UlsterRugby Best Ireland tour skipper #HeinekenCup http://t.co/K9DLnNsEnE

philip crowley @phillycrowley

@StadeFrance @ercrugby J'espère que c'est au Stade de France!! #meilleurstadedanslemonde

17m

philip crowley @phillycrowley

@StadeFrance @ercrugby merci!!

23m

Stade de France @StadeFrance

@phillycrowley @ercrugby Bonjour, ce n'est pas avant longtemps et nous ne savons pas encore officiellement dans quel stade ;)

25m

Just Sport @JustSportZA

@DempseyGerry @ercrugby Wasn't part of the AB's side that beat the Lions. Was playing League at the time. But has almost as much!

39m

Gerry Dempsey @DempseyGerry

@JustSportZA @ercrugby Brad Thorne?

41m

philip crowley @phillycrowley

@StadeFrance quand les billets pour la H Cup finale 2014 seront en vente? @ercrugby

51m

Denis Plesca @DenIsOnlinE

Latest @ercrugby #club #rankings for the season 2012-2013 And - STILL - the BEST team in #Europe is @leinsterrugby http://t.co/IxdW7j1Rok

Aylestone St James @jimmiesrugby

Two great @ercrugby finals over the weekend. Congratulations to @RC_Toulon & @leinsterrugby #HeinekenCup #AmlinCC

Paul Ginty @PGTEAMFITNESS

@AVIVAStadium yesterday @ercrugby #HeinekenCup final http://t.co/vmnnLWGzir

The views expressed here are not necessarily the views of ERC Rugby

Follow @ERCRugby on Twitter

ERC European Player of the Year

ERC Ranking

European Qualification

ERC European Champions Village

E-mail this page Print this page

Tournament Partners

Tournament Suppliers

Broadcast Partners

Media Partners

Agen	Bath Rugby	Bayonne	Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque	Bizkaia Gernika RT	Bordeaux-Begles
Bucharest Wolves	Cammi Rugby Calvisano	Femi-CZ VEA Rovigo	Gloucester Rugby	Grenoble	I Cavalieri Prato
Leinster Rugby	London Irish	London Wasps	London Welsh	Mont de Marsan	Newport Gwent Dragons
Perpignan	Rugby Mogliano	Stade Francais Paris	Toulouse	Worcester Warriors

Search

Best to captain Ireland tour squad

24 Heineken Cup contenders now confirmed

Jonny - we are not finished yet

Our defence won it - Laporte

Jonny was never going to miss - Armitage

Toulon are champions - and paint Dublin red

Contenders to battle it out for prestigious accolade

ERC Ezine

Quarter Finals

Semi Finals

The Final

Quarter Finals

Semi Finals

The Final

Live Images

Latest Tweets