Payne banned for two weeks over Saracens challenge

Ulster full-back Jared Payne has been hit with a two-week ban following his sending off during last Saturday's Heineken Cup quarter-final loss to Saracens.

Payne was red-carded in the opening four minutes of the game at Ravenhill after a dangerous challenge on Saracens full back, Alex Goode.

The independent Judicial Officer ruled that the offence was reckless and deserved a three-week suspension, which was reduced by a week to reflect the 28-year-old's previous clean disciplinary record.