As a new Heineken Cup season draws ever closer, it's time to decide who will be the ones to watch. As ever, we have a fantastic selection of players and teams from many different European countries that will impress us even more round-by-round. Click read more to view our top 5 players to watch, with one surprise pick included!


Schalk Brits
He is the super forward. The best hooker in the world in my opinion. Not necessarily because of his scrummaging ability but because of his all round ability. He is a hooker but could play centre, it is unbelievable the level of skill he has and why he does not represent the Springboks yet I don't know. I'm sure he will perform fantastically during the Heineken Cup.

Jonny Sexton
Sexton is the rising star of Irish rugby and already seems to be the starting choice ahead of previous star fly-half Ronan O'Gara. Jonny Sexton represents reigning champions of the Heineken Cup, Leinster, and will have a lot of experience has he plays alongside the likes of Brian O'Driscoll.

Morgan Parra
Morgan Parra represented France at the World Cup and played fantastically all the way to the final. France lost by one point in the final and Parra left the field with injury after a valiant display of rugby. He ranked 7th top point-scorer in the competition making a total of 37 points for France. He will be one of the stars of this Heineken Cup and he will surely assist his side (Clermont) past the group stages.


Chris Ashton
Despite his disappointing World Cup campaign it doesn't hide the fact that he was the Six Nations star for England and of the tournament. He scored 4 tries in one game which is amazing for any player, in any game. I think the Heineken Cup will be an opportunity for Chris Ashton to make a comeback and show he is a world class player.


Jonny May
This Gloucester youngster is the surprise pick of our Heineken Cup players to watch. May started his rugby career at Gloucester's breeding ground for young talent, Hartpury College and began starting regularly last season. This season he has scored or been involved in almost every single one of Gloucester's tries and will surely perform well in this season's Heineken Cup.