Andy Farrell: Ireland’s Iain Henderson backs head coach to deliver ‘amazing’ Lions tour

Ireland forward Iain Henderson has backed his international head coach Andy Farrell to deliver a “memorable” British and Irish Lions tour.

Farrell, who was assistant to Warren Gatland for the 2013 and 2017 Lions series, starts in the role in December.

“It is exciting,” second row Henderson said of Farrell’s Lions appointment.

“He has obviously done his time there for a couple of tours and his experience of those will stand him in good stead.

“I think his ability and the way he has been able to gel a squad and a management group in Ireland together so well and so tightly, I think that will only be amazing for someone to do that on a Lions tour.

“I think no matter who goes on that tour I am sure he [Farrell] will make sure that it is a memorable tour, and one that everyone will talk about for years to come.”

Ulster captain Henderson was speaking before his club’s vital Investec Champions Cup match at Harlequins on Saturday, which they must win to secure a place in the last 16 of the competition after defeat by Toulouse last weekend.

The 31-year-old has been a regular in Farrell’s Ireland squads since he took over in 2019 and was part of the panel that won a Grand Slam last year before losing in the quarter-final of the World Cup to New Zealand.

He identified the Englishman’s man-management when asked about his major strengths.

“From a human aspect, Faz gets everything 100% spot on and I feel like that is something that is massive for him,” he continued.

“He really understands how to make guys tick, how to get guys going and how to get guys buying into what his philosophies are. I think that is probably the biggest thing that he does so well.

“On top of that I think he is a phenomenal leader, his detail and rugby knowledge is also excellent. Having his ear to the ground with Owen [Farrell, his son] still being in the professional game, and him so recently out of the professional game, is a massive help for him.

“Another thing is that when he asks for someone’s opinion he really takes it on board. You never feel like he is just asking you a question for the sake of asking you it, he really takes it on board and genuinely tries to make changes for the better.”

I’d love Henderson to be Ireland captain – McCloskey

Before he takes up his role with the Lions, Farrell, of course, has a Six Nations title to defend with Ireland – and he is set to name his squad for this year’s competition on Wednesday.

With talismanic captain Jonny Sexton having retired after last year’s World Cup, Farrell will have to appoint a new skipper.

Henderson has worn the armband in previous games under Farrell and his Ulster team-mate Stuart McCloskey believes he would do a great job if he is named as Sexton’s successor.

“I would love Hendy to be captain of Ireland,” the Ireland centre said.

“He has captained Ireland before. I haven’t really seen his name batted around too much but I know he would do a great job if he was there.

“He is obviously an incredible player, probably one of Ulster’s best of all time. It is just the way he speaks to the lads, he commands a lot of respect both because he is very intelligent and because of what he has done out on the pitch over the last 13 or 14 years. He has been a real talisman for us.”