Jonny Wilkinson is the only Englishman and the only player from outside Heineken Cup finalists Leinster and Ulster to be named on the shortlist for European player of the year.
Wilkinson has been integral in Toulon’s run to a second Amlin Challenge Cup final, following his 17 points against Harlequins with a 27-point haul in the semi-final victory over Stade Francais.
The former England fly-half is joined on the short-list by Leinster pair Jonathan Sexton and Rob Kearney, Ulster scrum-half Ruan Pienaar and flanker Stephen Ferris.
Toulon play Biarritz at The Stoop on Friday with Leinster tackling Ulster over the road at Twickenham in Saturday’s Heineken Cup final.
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