Harry Potter star Oliver Phelps becomes part-owner of Ultimate Sevens side Atlantic Novas

Oliver Phelps, best known for playing George Weasley across all eight Harry Potter films, has been named as a part-owner of Atlantic Novas in the newly launched Ultimate Sevens competition. The 40-year-old’s investment comes after the women’s side of his club won the inaugural event of the series in Cardiff last weekend.

Phelps cited the competition’s equal treatment of men’s and women’s players as a key reason for backing the venture. “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,” he said. “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.”

Atlantic Novas’ women’s team beat Sol Feroz in the final of that opening Cardiff event, with former HSBC SVNS Women’s Rookie of the Year Nia Toliver standing out as a key performer. In the men’s draw, Clan Tartan took the inaugural title.

Ultimate Sevens was founded by former England and Great Britain sevens captain Tom Mitchell and has been positioned as a franchise-based, innovation-driven rival to the established international circuit — drawing comparisons to The Hundred in cricket. The competition features amended laws, including a seven-point try for scores beneath the posts, variable conversion values depending on where the kick is taken, and a single 90-second coach-led timeout per game.

The series has attracted high-profile playing talent, with Australia’s Maddison Levi, South Africa’s Selvyn Davids, Isabella Nasser, and Luciano Gonzalez all competing across the fortnight-long competition.

The second event of the season takes place this weekend in Biarritz, with the Grand Final scheduled at Brentford FC’s Gtech Community Stadium in London.