Harry Potter actor makes surprise move to become part-owner of rugby team

Harry Potter actor Oliver Phelps has been named as part-owner of Ultimate Sevens team, Atlantic Novas.

The 40-year-old, who starred as George Weasley in the blockbuster eight-film series, cited the “equal footing” for men’s and women’s players as a reason for his investment.

Last weekend, the brand-new competition headed up by former England and Great Britain captain Tom Mitchell launched in Cardiff.

On the first weekend of Ultimate Sevens action, Clan Tartan won the men’s tournament and Phelps’ Atlantic Novas were winners in the women’s event.

Former HSBC SVNS Women’s Rookie of the Year, Nia Toliver, was a standout performer for Novas on their way to beating Sol Feroz in the final.

Phelps said: “I’m a big rugby fan so I couldn’t wait to get involved in Ultimate Sevens.

“The game is fast-paced, and I love the innovations that Ultimate Sevens have brought to the sport.

“Ultimate Sevens is so accessible. I’m getting involved as it has huge potential for growth globally, especially in the run-up to the LA Olympics.

“I also like the way Ultimate Sevens have ensured that the men’s and women’s teams are on an equal footing.

“My daughter has started playing and I’m coaching her at grassroots level.”

Ultimate Sevens has attracted the top talent in the world of rugby sevens. Maddison Levi, Selvyn Davids, Isabella Nasser and Luciano Gonzalez are all competing across the next fortnight in the competition that has been branded ‘The Hundred’ of sevens.

The competition is also being played with amended laws, such as; a try being worth seven points if scored beneath the posts and variable conversion values, dependent on where the kick is taken from. Coaches also have one 90 second timeout, which is led by their coaches.

This weekend Ultimate Sevens will stage its second event of the season in Biarritz, before hosting its Grand Final at Brentford FC’s Gtech Community Stadium in London.