Payne set to make Ulster return in Treviso

Ireland’s Jared Payne returns to a strong Ulster’s match-day squad for tomorrow’s difficult Pro12 trip to Treviso.

Payne — out with a foot injury sustained on his international debut against South Africa in November — should see game time as coach Neil Doak makes two changes from the side that lost to Leinster last week. South African Louis Ludik, the only non-international in the back line, returns at full-back after being rested last week while Franco van Der Merwe misses out due to a chest infection, with Alan O’Connor named alongside Dan Tuohy.

Winger Tommy Bowe has recovered sufficiently from a dead leg to continue on the right wing while Rory Best will skipper a side desperate to finish in the play-offs.