Wallaby Harry Potter heads east as part of new Rugby Australia deal

Wallabies winger Harry Potter will wear a different club’s colours for the next two years, leaving the Western Force to join the NSW Waratahs as part of a new deal with Rugby Australia through until the end of 2027.

Potter debuted for the Wallabies during last year’s Spring Tour, scoring a try against Scotland at Murrayfield before earning a second Test cap the following weekend against Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

Coach Joe Schmidt selected Potter in the run-on side ahead of last weekend’s season-opener against the Flying Fijians in Newcastle, with the winger showing signs of promise in a backline that also included future Tahs teammates Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen.

Stephen Larkham Brumbies presser for B&I Lions

Stephen Larkham Brumbies presser for B&I Lions

There have been rumours for quite some time now about Potter’s future out west, with Force coach Simon confirming late last month that the winger was set to leave the club. The Roar reported last month that Potter was set to head east to Sydney on a headline-grabbing move.

Now, it’s official.

“I’m really happy to have my future secured for the next two years,” Potter said.

“I’d like to thank the Western Force for giving me the opportunity to come home to Australia and pursue my dream of playing for the Wallabies, and I’m looking forward to joining the Waratahs ahead of next year.

“There’s some incredibly exciting opportunities on the horizon in Australian Rugby and I’ll be working hard to give myself every chance to be part of them in a gold jersey.”

Potter won two Shute Shield titles with Sydney University before playing for the NSW Country Eagles and Melbourne Rising in the National Rugby Championship. The London-born talent ended up signing for the Melbourne Rebels for the 202 season but didn’t debut for the club.

The following year, Potter returned to the United Kingdom after signing with Leicester Tigers in the Premiership. Potter was a key member of the Tigers’ run to the title in 2022, later finishing with 67 appearances in total for the club over three seasons.

Potter returned to Australia at the end of 2023, debuting at Super Rugby Pacific level with the Force in 2024. The flyer’s last match for the Force was a dramatic extra-time loss to the Waratahs in Perth, where Darby Lancaster scored a stunning match-winner.

“While still relatively new to the Test arena, Harry brings a wealth of professional experience that adds real value to the national program,” Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, explained.

“We’re delighted he has re-committed to Australian Rugby for the next two years and look forward to supporting him as he continues to grow and perform at the highest level, both on and off the field.”

Coach Dan McKellar added: “Harry brings experience. He’s been in programs where he’s won things … he has won trophies; and he’s got good versatility.

“He’s got the ability to cover wing and can play 13. He played 13 at Champions Cup Quarter-Final. He can play fullback. He’s had a taste of Test match rugby as well.

“There is the skill set that he brings … And we think his game suits the style and the direction that we’re heading in. We’re excited to have Harry on board.“