Five years ago, Harry Potter couldn’t get a gig at the Waratahs. Now, the 27-year-old will return to NSW as a Wallaby.
The Roar can reveal the two-Test Wallaby, who made his Test debut last November, is set to sign with the Waratahs after two years at the Western Force in a move that could see international Darby Lancaster squeezed out.
The talented outside back made his name in England after signing the back out of Sydney University, scoring regularly to help Leicester Tigers to a premiership under Steve Borthwick.
His success led to Simon Cron luring the English-born, Melbourne-raised back to the Force.
But after two fine seasons at the club, where he scored seven tries and was a constant threat in 2025, it’s believed Potter wanted to return to the east coast to be closer to friends and family.
The possibility of lining up alongside Wallabies superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and a host of other Test stars was also something that appealed to Potter.
Harry Potter will start for the Wallabies on the wing against Scotland at Murrayfield. Photo: Julius Dimataga, Wallabies
The Waratahs naturally pounced on the opening despite feeling the squeeze with the salary cap.
Potter is expected to play a big part for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions after once again earning Test selection under Joe Schmidt.
His charge towards the Lions could start by taking on the Flying Fijians on July 6 after Schmidt drafted Potter, along with three other Force players, to Sydney for the nation’s first Test of the year.
The remaining five Force players selected in Schmidt’s Test squad will stay in Perth to prepare for the Super Rugby franchise’s clash against the Lions on June 28.
One of the best in the air in Australian rugby, Potter has the unique ability to conjure up something out of nothing.
That freakish ability to score was on display right the way throughout the season, where he scored seven five-pointers, including a stunning double against the Chiefs across the ditch.
Harry Potter in action against the Blues at Eden Park on May 02, 2025. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
His move to the Waratahs means rising winger Lancaster will likely be squeezed out of the Waratahs.
It leaves the 22-year-old’s future in doubt, with the former Australian sevens star, who made his Test debut against Georgia last July, struggling to find a new home at one of the nation’s four Super Rugby franchises.
It comes despite Schmidt’s interest in the tryscorer, having included him in a group of seven to train with the Wallabies next week.
