Jared Payne represented New Zealand at U21 and 7s level, as well as captaining his provincial side Northland. He began his Super Rugby career with the Chiefs in 2007 before moving to the Crusaders in 2009. He moved to the Blues for the 2011 Super Rugby campaign before joining Ulster on a three year contract ahead of the 2011/12 season.
He looked impressive in his first couple of games for Ulster but halfway through his third appearance against Cardiff, he suffered an Achilles tendon injury which ruled him out for the remainder of the season. He came back fully fit for the 2012/13 campaign and quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic players in European rugby.
Payne became eligible to represent Ireland in the autumn of 2014 under residency laws. He played his first test for Ireland against South Africa in November 2014. 2015 saw Payne cement his position in the Irish side, taking over the 13 jersey from one Brian O'Driscoll.
Having formed a formidable partnership with Robbie Henshaw in the centres, Payne has been selected to represent Ireland at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Sadly, he sustained an injury ahead of Ireland's last pool game which ruled him out of the rest of the tournament.
In February 2016, Payne signed a new two-year deal with Ulster and the IRFU. Payne has been a mainstay in the Ireland side under Joe Schmidt and has rapidly become one of the most important parts of the Kiwi’s structured game-plan.
Payne started in the Irish victory over New Zealand in Soldier Field, Chicago in early November. With his ability to play at his natural position of full back, Payne offers a lot of utility to the Irish camp but has played the majority of his games at outside centre.
Somewhat under the radar, Payne was named in the British and Irish Lions tour to travel to NZ, in what will be his first tour. Payne at the time of selection had made 20 Irish caps.
Payne has made 78 appearances for Ulster scoring 105 points at the start of the 2017-18 season. After suffering from migraines after the Lions tour, Payne was given the all clear to return to competitive action but is yet to return and he was handed a coaching role with the club in the reshuffled Ulster coaching ticket.
Payne confirmed his retirement at the end of the 2017/18 season having failed to return to action since featuring for the British and Irish Lions. He has since taken up a full time coaching position with Ulster.
After four seasons with Ulster, in April 2022, it was confirmed Payne embark on a new challenge in the French Top 14 where he would take up the role of defence coach with Clermont.
Career
 |
Scarlets Coach |
2023 - present |
 |
Chiefs Fullback |
2007 - 2007 |
 |
Crusaders Fullback |
2009 - 2010 |
 |
Blues Fullback |
2011 - 2011 |
 |
Barbarians Fullback |
2013 - 2013 |
 |
Ireland Fullback |
2014 - 2017 |
 |
British & Irish Lions Outside Centre |
2017 - 2017 |
 |
Ulster Rugby Coach |
2011 - 2023 |
 |
Nelson College Right Wing |
