Jared Payne signs new Ireland and Ulster deal

Ireland back Jared Payne has signed a new contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union that will keep him at Ulster until 2018.

Payne has agreed a two-year extension to continue a career at Kingspan Stadium that began five years ago and has comprised of 63 appearances and 14 tries.

The 30-year-old made his Test debut in 2014 and has won 12 caps, most recently starting at outside centre against Wales and France in this year's RBS 6 Nations.

"Jared is an incredibly astute and intelligent rugby player," Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss said.

"He adds experience and calm to any backline and will continue to be an important player for Ulster for years to come."