Career
Payne played most of his New Zealand rugby at Centre and Fullback, but can also cover the wing. Payne joined Ulster from the Auckland Blues on a three-year contract ahead of the 2011-2012 season. Jared has 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 went on to make 22 appearances for the Crusaders over two seasons. He moved to the Blues for the 2011 Super Rugby campaign and was one of the standout players in the competition as he played centre and fullback with flair.
Payne was born in Tauranga on 13 October 1985. He was educated at Nelson College in 1999.
New Zealand provincial career
Between 2006 and 2007 Payne played for Waikato, and from 2008 until 2011 played for Northland, whom he captained from 2009 til 2011.
Super Rugby
Payne debuted with the Waikato Chiefs in 2007, however his game time was limited and he was not re-signed for the 2008 season. In 2009, Payne was signed by the Crusaders, for whom he made 22 appearances in the 2009 and 2010 seasons. In 2010 it was announced the Blues had signed him for the 2011 Super Rugby season.
Ulster Rugby
In 2011, Payne signed with Ulster, making his Ulster debut on 16 September against the Cardiff Blues, where he made a solid start for his new team
Payne injured his Achilles tendon in a match against Treviso in October 2011 keeping him out for the rest of the season. He signed a new contract with Ulster in May 2013, keeping him at Ravenhill until 2016.
Representative rugby
He has played for the New Zealand Under-21s and Schools sevens teams. He played his first test for Ireland against South Africa on 8 November 2014.
