Payne an injury concern for Ulster

Rugby:Ulster’s Jared Payne could join number eight Nick Williams on the sidelines before the final Heineken Cup pool match against Castres Olympique at Stade Pierre Antoine on Saturday (1.35pm Irish time).

While a knee injury is expected to keep Williams out of action for eight weeks, Payne’s “groin complaint” will be monitored this week and he may yet play a part, having been named in the extended panel of 26 players.

Though they have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition, Saturday’s result, and the outcome of pool games elsewhere, will determine whether they play home or away in the quarter-finals.

Ulster have already beaten Castres 41-17 in their opening pool match at Ravenhill, but have never won a Heineken Cup game in France.

The hosts have won three of their past four home matches in the competition.

Ulster squad

Forwards (14): Rory Best, Callum Black, John Afoa, Nigel Brady, Mike McComish, Lewis Stevenson, Declan Fitzpatrick, Roger Wilson, Neil McComb, Iain Henderson, Tom Court, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack, Rob Herring.

Backs (12):Paddy Wallace, Niall O’Connor, Ruan Pienaar, Craig Gilroy, Paddy Jackson, Chris Cochrane, Paul Marshall, Andrew Trimble, Michael Heaney, Jared Payne, Darren Cave, Michael Allen