IRELAND lock Iain Henderson has praised Andy Farrell for creating an open forum for tactical discussions after suggesting that some players feared speaking up during the reign of Joe Schmidt.

Henderson has been promoted to a six-man leadership group under new head coach Farrell and is enjoying a less regimented approach behind the scenes.

The 27-year-old Ulster captain believes sections of the Irish squad were perhaps reluctant to clarify instructions under the rule of former boss Schmidt due to concerns about appearing incompetent.