Jared Payne sits out of Lions training after suffering from migraines

Sitting it out: Lions centre Jared Payne
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Jonathan Hunn4 July 2017

Jared Payne faces an uncertain recovery period after being stood down from the Lions tour due to suffering from migraines.

The Ireland centre was withdrawn from the Lions’ clash against the Hurricanes last Tuesday after complaining of headaches, and now faces further tests as the problem continues to linger.

Lions medical chief Dr Eanna Falvey admitted there is no clear return date for Payne yet, despite the 31-year-old progressing through a raft of tests.

“He’s actually suffering from migraine,” Falvey said of Payne, who has remained in Wellington after the Lions’ second Test victory over New Zealand for further specialist testing.

“He had a bang in the Chiefs game (on June 20), but he was fully cleared from concussion.

“But he’s been struggling with migraines since then.”

Payne missed the Lions’ 31-31 draw against the Hurricanes, and was then not involved in Saturday’s 24-21 triumph over the All Blacks.

The Ulster player has stayed in Wellington while the Lions squad have moved on to Queenstown.

Lions Tour 2017 | Second Test vs New Zealand | 24/06/2017

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The tourists will face New Zealand in the third and decisive Test at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

Falvey added: “Thankfully all Jared’s tests have been good. 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.”

Lions centre Robbie Henshaw could now face a four-month lay-off after tearing his pectoral muscle off the bone.

Falvey said: “The muscle needs to be reattached, and that’s usually about a 16-week recovery.

“He may do slightly better, but that’s probably what we’re looking at.”

Falvey defended the Lions’ concussion protocol work during their New Zealand tour, clearing up any confusion over head knocks suffered by Joe Marler and Alun Wyn Jones in previous matches.

Falvey explained that three independent doctors were involved in the decision over whether a player would be allowed to return to the field of play immediately.

The doctor said: “That removes any implication at all that we’d be favouring a player to go back on.”

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