Western Force winger Harry Potter signs for Waratahs, will remain Wallabies eligible for 2027 Rugby World Cup

Rugby Australia have confirmed Harry Potter’s departure from Western Force, with the Wallabies winger officially signing for the Waratahs. After eight tries in 19 games for the Force, which helped propel him into the Wallabies squad, Potter has re-committed to Rugby Australia until the end of 2027. By tying himself to Australian rugby for the next two years, it will keep the 27-year-old in selection contention for the looming Rugby World Cup on home soil. Unfortunately for the Force, Potter’s run-in to the World Cup will start out east, with the exciting outside back opting to pen a two-year deal with the Waratahs. After reports emerged last month about Potter’s exit, Force coach Simon Cron confirmed the fan favourite had departed, before Rugby Australia announced the duration of the deal on Tuesday morning. Potter, who made his third Test appearance for the Wallabies in their 21-18 win over Fiji on Sunday, said he was glad to stay in Australia for the next two years. “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.” The Force have outside backs Dylan Pietsch, Mac Grealy and young gun Ronan Leahy signed for next season, while academy winger Wallace Charlie earned an Australia sevens debut last year. Former All Black winger George Bridge is expected to sign for the Force, while Waratahs winger Darby Lancaster is off-contract and has been linked with a move out west.