Jared Payne has been ruled out of the Lions' tour opener against the NZ Provincial Barbarians at Toll Stadium. Photo/Getty Images
Jared Payne has been ruled out of the Lions' tour opener against the NZ Provincial Barbarians at Toll Stadium. Photo/Getty Images
Former Northland captain Jared Payne has been ruled out of tomorrow night's British and Irish Lions clash with the NZ Provincial Barbarians, denying him a chance to play at Toll Stadium.
The midfielder picked up a calf strain and will not take his place in the 23, much to thedisappointment of Northland fans.
Payne has played 20 tests for Ireland but missed the majority of the back half of the European domestic season following a lacerated kidney accrued against Australia last November.
England's Elliot Daly takes his spot on the bench. Daly also has the ability to cover centre, wing and fullback which makes the transition easier for the side.
The severity of Payne's injury is unknown at this stage.
