Whereas Henderson is a notable omission, he’s not the one huge identify lacking from final yr’s Six Nations squad.
The accidents to key gamers like Porter, Henshaw and Baird are a blow, whereas Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray have all retired.
The common caps of final yr’s squad below interim head coach Simon Easterby was 44.1.
This yr, that has fallen to twenty-eight.4 as Farrell returns following his stint with the British and Irish Lions.
When it comes to Henderson, Ferris added that there was “younger blood snapping on the heels” of the Ulster second row, however he believes the 33-year-old might have a job to play within the wider squad along with his expertise.
Munster’s Edogbo will add an thrilling presence for the ahead pack, whereas Tom Ahern and Cian Prendergast are additionally thrilling choices.
“Is that this the altering of the guard? Is that this Andy Farrell wanting to herald a few of the youthful guys?” Ferris mentioned.
“They could be a few of the guys he needs to name upon on the subsequent World Cup.”
Farrell mentioned Eire know they’ve “to hit the bottom working” in Paris on 5 February.
“The squad has advanced during the last 18 months, with 12 gamers making their worldwide debuts during the last yr alone, and I understand how eager this group is to make its mark for Eire,” he mentioned.
