Huge Ulster blow as Payne out for season

ULSTER have been dealt a massive blow with the news that full-back Jared Payne will miss the rest of the season.

The versatile player from New Zealand was carried off during the first half of Ulster’s 23-12 defeat by Treviso at Ravenhill on Friday night.

It is understood Payne, the province’s big summer signing, has sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon.