Jared Payne racing to be fit for Italy clash; Rob Kearney a doubt

Jared Payne must prove his fitness to be eligible for selection, while Rob Kearney continues to recover from his gluteal strain.

Jared Payne must prove his fitness on Thursday to be eligible for selection for Ireland’s pivotal Rugby World Cup clash with Italy on Sunday.

The Ulster centre sat out training on Wednesday with a bruised foot and now faces a race against time to be ready for the crucial Pool D encounter.