Three finalists on Euro shortlist
Players from the Champions Cup finalists, ASM Clermont and RC Toulon, who clash at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday week, are in the running for the EPCR European Player of the Year 2015 award - following the announcement of the shortlist of contenders.
The judging panel selected a longlist of 15 players based on performances during the pool stages of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup and that list has now been reduced to five players following the quarterfinals and semifinals weekends.
In addition to the decision of the judges, the 40 clubs in the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup will have the opportunity to vote for the shortlist contenders while supporters can also have their say on Twitter using #EPCRPlayer2015, and on the tournament Facebook pages.
The winner will be announced after the Champions Cup Final.
EPCR European Player of the Year 2015 shortlist
Club: ASM Clermont Auvergne
Age: 28
Position: Fullback
CC/HC appearances: 30
2014/15: Player eight matches; 15 points (three tries)
Country: England (two caps)
Abendanon has been in outstanding form for Clermont during their impressive run to another European final. Sparkling in attack, secure under the high ball, and also in the top three performers in the Most Carries, Most Metres Gained, Most Clean Breaks and Most Defenders Beaten tournament stats categories.
Club: RC Toulon
Age: 29
Position: Back row
CC/HC appearances: 44
2014/15: Played eight matches; 20 points (four tries)
Country: England (five caps)
Last season's winner of the European Player of the Year award has again proved himself as one of Europe's most dynamic and effective back rows. A hat-trick of tries in Round 5 against Ulster and leading the way on turnovers won with 19 for the Champions Cup season to date.
Club: Leinster
Age: 31
Position: No.8
CC/HC appearances: 74
2014/15: Played eight matches
Country: Ireland (72 caps)
Ever-present during Leinster's push to the Marseille semifinal where they went close to upsetting Toulon's dream of three titles in-a-row, Heaslip led his side with some strong ball-carrying (No.1 in the tournament stats) and uncompromising defence.
Club: ASM Clermont Auvergne
Age: 26
Position: No.8
CC/HC appearances: 13
2014/15: Played seven matches; 10 points (two tries)
Country: New Zealand (uncapped)
A revelation this season, Lee was at the heart of some of Clermont's very best performances in the current campaign most notably the wins over Munster in Limerick and Northampton in the quarter-final. Missed the semifinal due to a hamstring injury.
Club: Saracens
Age: 22
Position: No.8
CC/HC appearances: 17
2014/15: Played eight matches; 10 points (two tries)
Country: England (17 caps)
Hard to believe that one of Saracens' go-to players is still only 22. A highly destructive ball-carrier with plenty of room for improvement which is a scary thought for defences in European club rugby's elite tournament.
Previous winners: Ronan O'Gara (Munster - best player of first 15 years of European club tournaments); Sean O'Brien (Leinster) 2011; Rob Kearney (Leinster) 2012; Jonny Wilkinson (RC Toulon) 2013; Steffon Armitage (RC Toulon) 2011.