'You're a Wallaby Harry' – England-born rugby star Harry Potter debuts for Australia in city famous namesake was created in
Today at 10:37 AM
Australia relied on some wizardry in their backline in their test match against Scotland after handing winger Harry Potter his debut.
The English-born back became Wallaby No. 989 in Edinburgh on Sunday – the city where JK Rowling created his famous namesake.
Potter is the 18th different player to be sorted into House Wallaby this year after being thrust into Murrayfield’s Goblet of Fire.
The 26-year-old, who was typically given the nickname "Wizard" by a teammate, was born in Wimbledon in December 1997.
That is six months after Rowling published ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ – the first of seven books in the series.
However, it was Potter who set his own Triwizard challenge for the rugby media after being named in Australia’s European tour.
"It's a good challenge for journalists to see if they can think of a unique or original Harry Potter pun," Potter said.
"It's been 26 years of it, so it's pretty funny, I reckon. And yeah, tip my hat if you think of something original."
Potter moved from London to Australia at 10 years old and earned a professional contract with hometown club, the Melbourne Rebels.
He returned to Egland to link-up with former Sydney Uni coach Rob Taylor at Leicester Tigers for three seasons.
Potter even helped them claim a premiership under now-England boss Steve Borthwick, but never had a conflict of loyalties.
“I was [in Australia] for school,” he added.
“I watched the Wallabies play from Year 7 right up until now and I heartily feel like I was here for a more influential part of my life.
“I’m speaking with a more Aussie than English accent, which doesn’t make you feel too English to be honest.
“It’s a pleasure to be with the Wallabies and certainly I feel very Australian.”
Potter is one of six changes to the team that beat Wales 52-20 and his debut fittingly comes in Edinburgh.
Australia are hoping to secure a clean sweep of the rugby nations in Britain and Ireland on the 40th anniversary of their 1984 Grand Slam – which was the last time they achieved such a triumph.
The Aussies beat England 42-37 at Twickenham prior to trouncing Wales, and they conclude their November tour in Dublin next.
