Video - 'I haven't been quite right' - Payne on concussion nightmare

In an interview with Ulster Rugby TV, Jared Payne speaks about the injury that ended his involvement in the British and Irish Lions tour last summer, and subsequently also ruled him out of the season to date with Ulster.

Payne also talks about his new role within the team at Ulster, giving his assessment on the recent games against Southern Kings and Edinburgh, plus a look ahead to the challenge of Scarlets this Saturday.

Payne told Ulster Rugby TV: “I was playing in that Chiefs game and took a bit of a whack towards the end of it.”

“I had to come off but I didn’t think anything of it, a little bit headachey and sore that week, but nothing too bad. Come the captain’s run day for the next game, I think it was the following Tuesday, I got home and got back on the bus and felt a bit travel sick, pretty yuck.

“Ever since then I haven’t been quite right.

“It’s been a bit stop-start. There’s been times when it hasn’t been too bad and other times when it’s been pretty bad.

“We’ve tried different things to get it right and been trying to get back but unfortunately nothing has cleared everything up just yet.

“We’ll see how we go with a bit of rest over the next month and go from there.”

Payne has since taken up a new role at Ulster as his recovery continues.

“I’ve been helping out with the coaches a bit, wherever they need me. I’m happy to help out. I’m doing a bit of work now on the defence side of things.”

Ulster plays Scarlets and preparing for the challenge of the reigning champions.

“They’re a class team aren’t they? They’re not the champions for no reason. They’ll move the ball around, they’ve got nice little strike plays they can use. They’re going to test us everywhere.

“It’s going to be a good examination of where we’re at.”