Nine weeks to the Six Nations and already Joe Schmidt has injury worries.
Jared Payne has been ruled out of action for three months due to a kidney injury which he sustained last weekend during the final game of Ireland's November international series against Australia.
Payne started the game but did not return after half-time, being replaced by backup scrum-half Kieran Marmion.
The New Zealand-born back, who is a major presence defensively for Ireland, went into that game against Australia carrying an injury from the second game against the All Blacks. He went on to sustain what Joe Schmidt called a 'decent whack in the ribs' against the Wallabies.
Injury update: Jared Payne is expected to be out for at least 3 months after sustaining a kidney injury against Australia. Get well soon! pic.twitter.com/dXJKz967YQ
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) December 1, 2016
Three months out means Payne will likely miss the first three games of Ireland's Six Nations campaign - away to Scotland and Italy and home to France. Joe Schmidt's side play Wales on March 10th. Hopefully, Payne will have returned to fitness by then.
The loss of Payne will probably be to the benefit of Garry Ringrose. The Leinster centre rose to prominence during the November games and is now Ireland's second choice 13.
The 31-year-old's injury will also be a major blow to Ulster with a crucial period in their season coming up. They will face into the remainder of the Champions Cup campaign without their first choice fullback.
Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
