Harry Potter actor Oliver Phelps has become a part-owner of an Ultimate Sevens Rugby team – and is excited by its placing of the men’s and women’s competitions on an ‘equal footing’.
Elite Olympic and international sevens players are competing in the new global championship.
Dubbed rugby’s answer to The Hundred, there have been six teams competing in the men’s and six teams competing in the women’s, sharing the same stage.
Phelps – who played George Weasley in the Harry Potter series – has taken a stake in the Atlantic Novas team, whose women’s side won the Cardiff event over the weekend.
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The Grand Final takes place at Brentford FC on Thursday September 24.
Matches are ten minutes long with no half-time interval, with new laws to speed up the play.
A normal try is five points – and a try scored in between the designated area beneath the posts is seven points with no conversion attempt.
There are variable conversion values. Each team gets a 90-second coach-led timeout per match – and there are unlimited substitutions.
Huge potential
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.”
Phelps’ comments were supplied by Ultimate Sevens. For more information, visit: https://www.ultimatesevens.com/news/huge-potential-for-growth-harry-potter-actor-oliver-phelps-invests-in-ultimate-sevens-franchise/
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