Harry Potter off too the Dark Side

[Darren]

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.

https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/06/2...-squeezed-out/

[AndyS]

Arrivals and departures, it is why RA keeps the Force around...

[SNOB]

Bugger very disappointed but not surprised. Unfortunately we are a stepping stone for many returning players and until we can be in finals contention on a regular basis it will probably continue.

[jargan83]

it’s believed Potter wanted to return to the east coast to be closer to friends and family.

That old chestnut.

[SNOB]

That old chestnut.

Well I suppose he’s not home sick after al this time away.

[shasta]

Well I suppose he’s not home sick after al this time away.

At 32yo I hope Ollie Hoskins gets similarly stricken after running out with the boys. Missing Perth makes a lot more sense than Sydney.

[bootsetal06]

The big disappointment…. My vote as Force MVP didn’t keep Harry at the Force !!

[Sheikh]

I'm less upset Harry wasn't released back to us for the Lions game if he is off for next season. We still have Pietsch, Grealy, Beale, Poolman, Leahy and even Kuenzle to pick any 3 from (barring injuries).

We've seen this year that missing Williams was a big blow; probably bigger than missing Tizzano as we have Koteka and other back-rowers who can almost provide what Carlo does.
Missing Donno will also be difficult, as his kicking was excellent (early in the year, it dropped off as the season went on - injury?) but Burey, especially with Stewart outside him, provide decent linkages.
Potter is probably the least important of our 4 players not released back to us; we're better with him, but can cope without him more easily than the others.

[.X.]

Potts commits to RA and the @nswwaratahs through to the end of '27.🔒

🔗 https://wallabies.rugby/news/potter-...or-2026-202577

[.X.]

and with the wave of the Tahs-Wand and Abra-Cadabra he was gone

[Garry Owen]

and with the wave of the Tahs-Wand and Abra-Cadabra he was gone

Hopefully we pick up Darby Lancaster, I know he has a few flaws and not on the same level as Potter but he is still young and has proven he can score tries. Just seems like a simple swap if all parties are keen.

[James]

Been a long time since we've had a winger with a lot of zip. I think Lancaster has a lot of potential. He was good against the Lions and makes a good balance for Pietsch.

[Tazzmania]

Lets not forget that George Bridge may be on his way to us, you want some zip watch this finish:

George Bridge with try of the year contender

[.X.]

Hopefully we pick up Darby Lancaster, I know he has a few flaws and not on the same level as Potter but he is still young and has proven he can score tries. Just seems like a simple swap if all parties are keen.

Darby Lancaster is (apparently) a good kid. His younger brother went to school with the Zoe Monster in Kempsey (Mid-North Coast of NSW). I think it would be doubtful that he will want to move that far away from his Family.

But I will try and put in a good word for us.