Payne ruled out of third Test

British and Irish Lions centre Jared Payne has been ruled out of contention for the third Test against the All Blacks due to migraine headaches.

Payne was involved in a nasty collision in the Lions' 34-6 win over the Chiefs back on June 20. The 31-year-old New Zealand born centre was cleared of concussion but, according to Lions team doctor Eanna Halvey, has been suffering from migraines ever since.

“Jared is actually undergoing some tests independent of concussion. He’s actually suffering from migraine, so he’s having some tests around that,” Halvey said.

“He had a bang in the Chiefs game, from which he recovered fully and was cleared of concussion on the HIA process on a subsequent specialist’s review, but he’s been struggling with migraine.

“Thankfully all his tests have been good – there's nothing concerning there –  but while he still has a headache he won’t be training.

"The specialist who saw him in Wellington is quite happy with him. We have a couple more minor tests to do which are still outstanding.”

After initially being named in the mathchday 23, Payne dropped out of the squad for the Hurricanes' match complaining of headaches. 

And now Lions coach Warren Gatland has confirmed he will not be considered for selection for the penultimate Test against the All Blacks on Saturday.

"While the findings of Jared's tests have been normal he still has a migraine and will not be fit to train until his symptoms have settled," Lions coach Gatland said in a statement.

"The specialists are happy that the symptoms are not concussion related and he is expected to recover fully. We wish him a speedy recovery."

The All Blacks won the first Test 30-15 before the Lions bounced back with a 24-21 victory in the second Test. This has ensured the third Test at Eden Park is tantalisingly set up as a do-or-die encounter for both sides.