Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt says that Harry Potter’s form for the Western Force in the side’s recent South Africa spring series played a big part in his maiden national call-up.
Potter is in line for his Australia debut after being called into Australia’s squad for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour with games against England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
The utility back's selection comes after returning from a six-month ankle injury layoff with an impressive tour of South Africa with the Force, including scoring a double in a Player of the Match display in the 38-24 win over the Cheetahs.
The Force invested in the South Africa tour as a valuable opportunity to offer players high-level game-time during the Super Rugby off-season.
The call-up of Potter, who is one of eight Force players selected in this Wallabies squad along with another five in the Australia XV touring squad, is another endorsement of the Force program and the Club’s investment in the South African tour.
“I watched his involvements in Bloemfontein with the Force having played at the Toyota Challenge and felt he was back in the groove,” Schmidt told reporters.
“Also he offered a bit of versatility. He played 13 as well as on the wing. It’s an opportunity for us to bring him into the squad and get to know him a little bit.”
Utility back Potter, 26, played six Super Rugby games in the 2024 season, scoring one try in Round 3 against the ACT Brumbies, after returning to Australia following a successful stint in English rugby with Leicester Tigers whom won the 2022 Premiership title.
“We earmarked Harry probably around the middle of the Super Rugby season last year,” Schmidt added.
“I remember I think I was at a Brumbies game (Round 3) with Laurie Fisher and we both thought Harry was really good on the day. He shone on the day.
“He picked up an injury on the back of that and was out for a long time.”
The Wallabies squad will assemble in Sydney over the weekend before departing for the United Kingdom on Thursday next week.
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2024 Wallabies Spring Tour
England v Australia, 11:10pm AWST, Saturday 9 November, Twickenham
Wales v Australia, 12:10am AWST, Monday 18 November, Cardiff
Scotland v Australia, 9:40pm AWST Sunday 24 November, Murrayfield
Ireland v Australia, 11:10pm AWST Saturday 31 November, Aviva Stadium
