LONDON - Ireland centre Jared Payne is set to miss the start of next year's Six Nations after being ruled out for three months with a kidney injury.
Ireland's centre Jared Payne (L) is tackled during the rugby union test match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva stadium in Dublin on November 26, 2016
Payne suffered the blow during the first half of Ireland's 27-24 victory over Australia in Dublin last Saturday.
The 31-year-old is now in line to miss the Six Nations matches against Scotland, Italy and France, but the New Zealand-born midfielder could return for the concluding fixtures against Wales and England in March.
Meanwhile fellow Ulster back Andrew Trimble has been sidelined for a fortnight after the wing suffered a foot injury against the Wallabies.
In a statement issued Thursday, Ireland's team management added that fullback Rob Kearney was "removed" from the pitch as a precaution.
Kearney had been doubtful for the game because of concussion and he then sustained a blow to the head before being taken off.