Wallabies Newcomer Harry Potter Anticipates Potential Match Against Former Coach Borthwick

Harry Potter, a former Leicester wing with dual qualification, has been included in Australia’s 34-member squad for the upcoming tour. He is one of three new additions to the team. Following his call-up to the Wallabies, Potter stated he feels “very Australian,” which could lead to a match against England scheduled for 9 November. The 26-year-old was born in England, residing there for ten years before moving to Australia. He later came back to England in 2020 after signing with the Tigers, where he started in their 2022 Premiership final victory against Saracens at Twickenham. Over four seasons with Leicester, he made 67 appearances and scored 20 tries, prior to his move to Western Force. Potter explained his connection to Australia, stating, “I was in Australia for school. I watched the Wallabies play from year seven right up until now and I heartily feel like I was here for a more influential part of my life.” He also confirmed that he had not received any prior contact regarding a call-up to the England national team. He further commented on his accent, saying, “I’m speaking with a more Aussie than English accent, which doesn’t make you feel too English to be honest.” Potter concluded, “It’s a pleasure to be with the Wallabies and certainly I feel very Australian.” Under the leadership of Steve Borthwick, Potter was a member of the Leicester team that transformed from Premiership contenders to champions within a single season. Potter acknowledged that being selected for the squad to play against his former coach Steve Borthwick and England at Allianz Stadium is a “long shot,” given this is his initial call-up to the Australia squad. However, he expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to make his Test debut. “It’d be awesome. I’d love to play that game,” he stated. He added, “First game of the tour, it’s going to be massive. And coming up against England at Twickenham has got to be up there with the number one Test matches to play on the calendar.” Potter, whose birth occurred six months after the initial Harry Potter book was released, has been given the nickname ‘Wizard’ by his new international teammates. “It’s been 26 years of it, so it’s pretty funny, I reckon,” he commented. He also quipped, “And yeah, tip my hat if you think of something original.” Following the match against England, Australia’s northern-hemisphere tour will proceed with games against Wales on 17 November, Scotland on 24 November, and Ireland on 30 November.