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 Blues forward was yellow-carded for the tip-tackle on Ireland replacement Donnacha Ryan, and the Disciplinary panel subsequently determined that the offense was at the top end of the level of seriousness for a tackle of that nature citing Law 10.4(j).
With an entry point of ten weeks, the Committee applied an additional two weeks to reflect the need to deter this type of foul play but, in mitigation, including his admission of guilt, his previous good disciplinary record and his conduct at the hearing, they reduced the suspension to seven weeks. Davies can return to action on the weekend of 30 March, one week before the must win European clash with Leinster at the Aviva.
Ireland and Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris also appeared before a Disciplinary Committee for another alleged dangerous tackle from the same international match, but the Committee found no suspension was merited and the player is free to play this weekend.
Ulster meet Munster in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals in Thomond Park on Easter Sunday.