Toulouse utility back Cheslin Kolbe has been nominated for the 2019 EPCR European Player of the Year award, having exploded on to the Heineken Champions Cup scene this season with a string of superb performances. 

The 25-year-old South African made 416 metres in Toulouse’s six Pool 1 matches, behind only Exeter Chiefs wing Jack Nowell and Ulster Rugby wing Jacob Stockdale. 

Kolbe also bagged two tries as well as a conversion, with the first try against Wasps being nominated Try of the Round in Round 3. In addition, the Springbok has totalled 48 carries, 41 defenders beaten, 37 tackles and 13 clean breaks so far. 

To vote for Kolbe as your EPCR European Player of the Year or to view all 15 nominees, click HERE and be in the running to win two VIP tickets to the Heineken Champions Cup final in Newcastle next May, one night’s accommodation courtesy of EPCR and a signed jersey of one of the Heineken Champions Cup final clubs. 

The 15 nominees will be reduced to five in April, following the Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals, by a combination of the public vote and the verdict of the judges. Players who have not been included in the initial list, but who make a significant impact in a quarter-final or semi-final can be considered for the shortlist. 

The voting will then be reopened and the winner of the 2019 award will be announced following the Heineken Champions Cup final at St James’ Park on Saturday, May 11. 

The winner of one of the most prized individual accolades in the world game will receive a specially struck gold medal as well as the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy. 

The judging panel includes a wealth of International rugby talent – such as Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll (BT Sport), ex-South Africa wing Bryan Habana (Channel 4) and former France scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili (beIN SPORTS).