Payne showing early signs of recovery

Ulster utility back Jared Payne is not ruling out a return to action before the end of the season as he continues his rehabilitation on a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Having penned a three-year deal with Ulster in September, the New Zealander was eager to make an impression in the white jersey but he pulled up just 15 minutes into his third appearance and when the injury was examined he was ruled out for the remainder of the season.