Missing out on a European Cup quarter-final would be disappointing says Jared Payne

The Irish Province meet Oyonnax at Kingspan Stadium, Belfast, on Saturday needing a try scoring bonus point and a healthy winning margin.

They then have to rely on a number of results going certain ways over the remaining four pools on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

But even if Ulster do their business against the Top 14 side who they pipped 24-23 almost two weeks ago in France - it might still not be enough.

“All we can do is make sure we deliver what we have to and then hope other things go in our favour,” said Payne.

The Irish centre, who made his first appearance since breaking a bone in his foot at the Rugby World Cup for the Province in the 33-17 reverse against Saracens last Saturday in London, said Ulster be disappointed at not making the last eight.

“Of course it is not the end of the world if we do not, and there are a lot of ifs and buts, but it would be disappointing,” said Payne.

“You want to be in the quarters. We think we are good enough to get there.

Payne said it was great to be able to get through a full 80-plus minutes last weekend since being off for so long.

“Foot was all good but it has been for a while,” he revealed, adding: “There were a few other issues we had coming back in the rehab, but everything is good as gold now.

“The result was disappointing and it is always good to get out on the rugby field again having been out for so long.”

Payne is expected to be one of several Ulster players named in Joe Schmidt’s Ireland squad ahead of the Six Nations later today.

He has played at centre in the green jersey, but start for Ulster last week at fullback.

Is there the chance he could be considered in the same role for Ireland?

“There has been no talk whatsoever about that,” said Payne.

“Joe (Schmidt) keeps his distance. I will worry about those sorts of things if I am lucky to get picked.”