Super 14 side Queensland Reds and Harlequins from the English Premiership will prove the big draws for Connacht as they prepare for the new season.

Michael Bradley's side will play four friendlies in August and secondrow Andrew Farley, a former Red himself, is particularly looking forward to the visit of the touring Queenslanders.

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

"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," he added.

"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."

Connacht friendlies
(kick-offs 6.30pm unless stated)

August 9th
Connacht v Leeds

August 16th
Connacht v Harlequins

August 22nd
Connacht v London Welsh

August 26th
Connacht v Queensland Reds (7.30pm)