Commenting on the agreement, Gordon Hamilton from Belfast Harlequins said, "We are delighted that Philips Ireland have agreed to sponsor the club. Philips' commitment to sport is already well established and I am delighted to see that interest directed to club rugby.

"Sport means so much to Irish people and whether they are players or supporters everyone has a team and everyone has a view.

"Philips are the experts in bringing sports into our homes with their TVs and audio products, they are always at the cutting edge of the technology that really brings sport alive."

John Coogan, General Manager of Philips Consumer Lifestyle Ireland, said: "Philips Ireland has a great tradition of involvement in Irish and international sport, from the Philips Sports Manager of the Year, now in its 26th year, to our recent sponsorship of the Ryder Cup. Philips has always seen sport as a powerful element in Irish life.

"In Belfast Harlequins we have found an ideal ambassador for the Philips brand, as sport embodies innovation and excellence, qualities for which Philips products are renowned.

"Philips has a long association with Northern Ireland having had a significant presence here for many years. We are very proud therefore to have the opportunity to give support to Belfast Harlequins as an equally successful club in the AIB League."