Wilko up for top award

Jonny Wilkinson: enjoyed an outstanding season for Toulon

Jonny Wilkinson has been named on the five-strong shortlist for the ERC European Player of the Year award for 2012.

The other players nominated for the prestigious gong are Leinster's Jonathan Sexton and Rob Kearney and Ulster's Stephen Ferris and Ruan Pienaar.

The two Irish sides meet in the Heineken Cup final on Saturday, while Toulon's talisman Wilkinson will feature in Friday's Amlin Challenge Cup final against Biarritz Olympique at the Twickenham Stoop.

The ERC Judging Panel which drew up the shortlist comprises Stuart Barnes (Sky Sports), Raphael Ibanez (2011/12 Heineken Cup Ambassador), Stephen Jones (Sunday Times), Emmanuel Massicard (Midi Olympique) and Gerry Thornley (Irish Times).

In addition to the decision of the panel, the 44 clubs in ERC's two tournaments will also have the opportunity to vote along with supporters, who can have their say via Twitter @ercrugby #ERCPlayer2012 or on the official Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup Facebook pages www.facebook.com/heinekencup and www.facebook.com/amlinchallengecup.