- Harry Potter will debut with the Australian rugby team in Edinburgh against Scotland
- JK Rowling wrote most of the books in her world-famous series in this city
- The 26-year-old winger was born six months after the publication of the first book.
Australian rugby player Harry Potter will debut with his national team on Sunday in Edinburgh, the city where JK Rowling wrote most of the books about his namesake.
The Wallabies face Scotland in the third match of their end-of-season European tour, before traveling to Dublin for a test against Ireland, where Joe Schmidt’s team will hope to give Australia its first Grand Slam since 1984.
They were victorious in the opening match of their November tour, beating England 42-37 at Twickenham.
Potter was born in December 1997, six months after Rowling published ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, the first of seven books in the series.
After missing six months due to injury this season, his stellar performances for the Western Force on their recent tour of South Africa caught the eye of Schmidt and earned Potter an unexpected first call-up.
Nicknamed ‘Wizard’ by a team-mate, the 26-year-old embraces the inevitable puns surrounding his name, even daring journalists to surprise him with new ones.
Harry Potter will debut for Australia, despite living the first 10 years of his life in England
The lateral was born six months after JK Rowling published the first book in her famous series
The Wallabies are looking to claim their first Grand Slam since 1984 against Ireland next week.
“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, so I think it’s pretty funny.” And yes, hats off if you come up with something original.”
The winger moved from London to Melbourne aged 10 and, despite emigrating back to England to play three seasons for Leicester Tigers, has no doubt where his loyalties lie.
Potter will become the 18th player to debut for Australia in 2024 as they look to end the year on a strong note.
“I was (in Australia) to go to school,” he said.
‘I watched the Wallabies play from Year 7 until now and I wholeheartedly feel I was here for a most influential part of my life.
‘I’m speaking with an accent that’s more Australian than English, which doesn’t make you feel too English to be honest.
“It’s a pleasure to be with the Wallabies and I certainly feel very Australian.”