Jared Payne takes up new role with Clermont

Ulster stalwart and current defence coach, Jared Payne, is set to commence a new chapter in his career as he heads to the Top 14 to join the ranks of Clermont next season. 

Payne’s playing days began in New Zealand where he turned out for the Chiefs, Crusaders and Blues before making the trip to Northern Ireland where he became a regular feature for Ulster. 

Upon hanging up his boots, Payne took charge of Ulster’s defence – a position he has held for the last four years – and has since proved himself to be an astute coach. 

Clermont boss Jono Gibbes is upbeat regarding the new development. 

“Jared is an extremely precise, diligent and rigorous trainer,” he said. “He is a man who articulates around his ideas and will be able to make us evolve positively both strategically and technically in the field of defence which is highly strategic in modern rugby.”