Other nominees: Demba Bamba (Lyon), Mako Vunipola (Saracens)

Jamie George (Saracens)

The experienced England hooker was back to his best form for Saracens, scoring two tries on their run to the semi-finals.

Other nominees: Agustín Creevy (London Irish), Guillaume Marchand (Lyon), Christopher Tolofua (RC Toulon).

Vincent Koch (Saracens)

The South African international was part of an influential Saracens front row and scored a try in their 45-24 pool stage victory over London Irish.

Other nominees: Demba Bamba (Lyon), Mako Vunipola (Saracens)

Eben Etzebeth (RC Toulon)

Another vastly experienced Springbok, Etzebeth impressed throughout the season as RC Toulon finished runners-up to French rivals Lyon.

Other nominees: Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby), Joe Launchbury (Wasps).

https://twitter.com/ChallengeCup_/status/1569357702551191552

Maro Itoje (Saracens)

The talismanic England lock shone on his five appearances for Saracens and was among the try-scorers as they saw off Gloucester 44-15 in the quarter-finals.

Other nominees: Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby), Joe Launchbury (Wasps).

Sebastian Negri (Benetton Rugby)

Italian international Negri was a real driving force as Benetton reached the last 16, finishing third in the EPCR Challenge Cup carries charts with 49.

Other nominees: Charles Ollivon (RC Toulon), Ben Earl (Saracens)

Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh Rugby)

The Scotland flanker was similarly impressive for Edinburgh, finishing third in the EPCR Challenge Cup tackle count with 56 and fourth in the carries list with 48.

Other nominees: Charles Ollivon (RC Toulon), Ben Earl (Saracens)

Alfie Barbeary (Wasps)

Equally at home at hooker or in the back row, Barbeary scored a memorable hat-trick of tries in Wasps’ Round of 16 defeat of Biarritz Olympique and finished as the competition’s joint second top try-scorer.

Other nominees: Jordan Taufua (Lyon), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Sergio Parisse (RC Toulon)