Ulster full-back Jared Payne undergoes Achilles surgery

The injured Jared Payne on the Ulster bench after being helped off the pitch during the defeat by Treviso

Ulster's Jared Payne has undergone surgery on the ruptured Achilles tendon that appears to have ruled him out for the remainder of this season.

An Ulster Rugby statement said that the surgery had "gone well".

"Jared will be reviewed in two weeks' time after the wound has had some time to settle and heal," added the Ulster statement.

"It is at this stage that we are likely to have a clearer view of the length of time required for rehabilitation."

The versatile player from New Zealand was carried off during the first half of Ulster's 23-12 defeat by Treviso earlier this month.

Payne, 26, was making only his third appearance in an Ulster shirt.