Jared Payne ruled out of series decider against New Zealand

British and Irish Lions have confirmed that Ireland international Jared Payne will miss the third and final Test against New Zealand in Auckland due to migraine symptoms.

The 31-year-old had earlier missed the tour game against Hurricanes due to headache and was subsequently ruled out of the second Test in Wellington which the visitors won 21-24 to level the series 1-1.

The Ulster centre has remained in Wellington to undergo further tests on the migraines while the rest of the squad move to Eden Park for the series decider.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland wished Payne good luck on his recovery phase.

"While the findings of Jared's tests have been normal he still has migraines and will not be fit to train until his symptoms have settled.

"The specialists are happy that the symptoms are not concussion related and he is expected to recover fully.

"We wish him a speedy recovery."

Lions medical chief Dr Eanna Falvey said it will touch to ascertain on when Payne will be able to return to action.

"Jared's slightly more difficult.

"Thankfully all his tests have been good. He's suffering from migraine symptoms at the moment.

"The specialist is quite happy with him. He'll have a couple more minor tests, and that will give us more idea. But while he still has a headache he won't be training."

Earlier, Payne suffered a lacerate kidney during Ireland's autumn international clash against Australia and had to deal with calf injury following that.