IRELAND CENTRE JARED Payne has been deemed fit enough to be included in Ulster’s European Champions Cup squad for the three remaining pool fixtures this month.

Payne has this afternoon been added to the group with utility back Peter Nelson de-registered to accommodate the Kiwi.

Payne, 30, suffered a fractured foot during Ireland’s Rugby World Cup pool D win over Romania on 27 September. He was kept within Joe Schmidt’s squad until being ruled out for the tournament on 10 October and was finally replaced by scrum-half Isaac Boss in the days before the quarter-final exit to Argentina.

Payne’s appearance in Les Kiss’ squad is a healthy indication that he will be fit to feature against Oyonnax (if not away this weekend, then at home on 23 January) or away to Saracens on 16 January.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt will be hoping Payne can be another experienced option at outside centre with his Ulster team-mate Darren Cave also in line to play in France this Sunday.

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