Ireland international Jared Payne has retired from professional rugby to take up a role as Ulster’s defence coach next season.
Payne has been sidelined since last summer’s Lions tour with migraine symptoms but has spent the majority of this year working as a defence coach for Ulster under Jono Gibbes.
Payne was still technically listed as a player this season but he will officially join Ulster’s coaching ticket next season and will also head to Australia next month on Ireland’s summer tour to work with Joe Schmidt and his staff.
Payne received 20 caps over three seasons with Ireland and started every game of the 2015 Six Nations winning campaign.
“It’s been a good ride but unfortunately every good thing has to come to an end,” said Payne.
“Playing rugby has taken me to places I never thought I’d see and allowed me meet people I never thought I’d meet.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank my parents for all their help in my younger years and my brother Josh for being a live tackle bag! Thanks also to the coaches and team mates throughout the years that have made living this dream possible, and to the staff, volunteers and fans that make game days so special.
“The support that I’ve received from my partner Chrissie and sons Jake and Tyler, particularly over the past 12 months, has been incredible.
“I would like to thank all of the medical professionals who have supported me since my injury occurred back in June last year. I’m extremely grateful for your considerable care and attention.
“While I will undoubtedly miss the buzz of running out with mates every weekend, I have to listen to the medical advice and unfortunately give up the dream. However, I’ve surprised myself how much I have enjoyed coaching and I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into this role on a permanent basis.
“Finally, I’d like to thank the management here at Ulster for giving me the opportunity to contribute in this way and I look forward to trying to repay the faith shown in me.”
Ulster’s players and staff have been very impressed with Payne’s attention to detail thus far and Ulster Operations Director Byrn Cunningham confirmed that there has also been some positive feedback from senior coaches within Irish Rugby with regards to Payne’s potential as a coach.
“It is with sadness that we have to accept that Jared’s days of playing professional rugby are behind him,” said Cunningham.
“He was a fantastic player who was exceptionally gifted, having had a huge influence in the game in both attack and defence.
“While we will lose Jared’s ability on the pitch, we now gain another astute rugby brain on the sidelines. We have known that this would be a potential outcome for some time and integrating him into the coaching side of things over the past few months it has proved to be very successful.
“The positive feedback from senior coaches within Irish Rugby and players themselves is testament to the early impression he has made.”
