Edinburgh Rugby back-row forward Viliame ‘Bill’ Mata has been nominated for the 2019 EPCR European Player of the Year award, having helped the Scottish side reach their first European Cup quarter-final since 2012. The standout moment for Mata in the 2018/19 campaign so far came against RC Toulon in Round 5, when he powered past three defenders before unleashing an outrageous offload to James Johnstone for a score that was nominated for Try of the Round. ‘Big Bill’ has also registered 398 metres from 115 carries as well as 42 tackles and 10 offloads during the pool stages, winning two Heineken Man of the Match awards in the process. After topping Pool 5, Edinburgh Rugby will host Munster Rugby in the quarter-finals at BT Murrayfield on March 30, live on Channel 4, Virgin Media, BT Sport and beIN SPORTS. To vote for Mata 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. https://twitter.com/btsport/status/1084521677395034112 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). https://twitter.com/ChampionsCup/status/1091268004036444160