Queensland Reds will be the star attraction as Connacht concentrate their pre-season campaign at home this year with four ties pencilled in for August at the Sportsground.

The Australian Super 14 side - Connacht lock Andrew Farley played for them - will be the concluding game in a four-match August festival

LOOKING FORWARD . . . Connacht lock Andrew Farley who is looking forward to playing his former club Queensland Reds as part of their pre-season campaign. Photo: Ray Ryan/Sportsfile

The series of games kicks off on SaturdayAugust 9 against Leeds before facing old rivals Harlequins a week later.

The following week Connacht then face London Welsh on Friday August 22 before concluding their preseason fixtures against the Queensland Reds on Tuesday August 26.

Connacht had plans to travel to France for a return match with Castres but these fell by the wayside as the French Top 14 is starting earlier than expected.

Connacht lock Andrew Farley is really looking forward to playing his former side.

"It's exciting. Its been seven years since I played for Queensland so there's a lot of fresh young faces in that side since I was there and they've a lot of talent.

"They're starting to play a brand new style of rugby now and it'll be a good experience for our guys to play a southern hemisphere side at the sportsground. What is also worth noting is that the Reds will have played with the new ELVs for the previous season and it'll be good for us to play against a side who've already adapted to that style of play," he said.

Meanwhile, Connacht rugby season tickets will be on sale from this Wednesday through Ticketmaster. Last year's season ticket holders will be able to avail of an early season discount on season tickets before they go on general release next week.

Following that there will be an 'Early Bird' price on season tickets when they go on sale giving supporters the opportunity to take advantage of a pre-season discounted price.

Regular ground tickets will cost €250 with €320 for the enclosed stand but these are available with reductions for renewals as well as early purchase.

Season tickets will cover seventeen games this season, which include all four of Connacht's pre-season friendlies, all Magners League home matches as well as the three group games in this season's European Challenge Cup, including a first ever competitive game against London Irish.

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