Payne(ful) kidney sidelines Jared

Payne has been ruled out for three months due to a kidney injury.

Payne sustained the injury in Ireland's 27-24 win over Australia in Dublin last week.

Payne did not return to the pitch after half-time and it has now been confirmed by the Irish Rugby Football Union that he will be missing Ulster's pivotal European Cup double header against Clermont Auvergne later this month.

He will also miss the Six Nations games against Scotland, Italy and France.

There was more bad news for Ulster fans, as Andrew Trimble was ruled out for the next few weeks with a tendon problem in his foot.

Trimble also went off injured against Australia.

That lands a double blow to Ulster as he is expected to be out for at least couple weeks and will most likely miss the home clash against Clermont Auvergne next week.

Should the injury take longer than expected to heal, he could also miss the return match the following week.

Meanwhile, Rob Kearney was removed as a precaution but has been passed as fully fit to play.