LONDON — Australian rugby player Harry Potter has already heard all the puns. He better brace himself for a few more after being picked Friday to play for his country for the first time — fittingly in the city where the famous books about his fantasy namesake were written.

Potter, a 26-year-old winger who was born in England before moving to Australia as a child, was selected to play against Scotland in a test match taking place in Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh on Sunday.

Related Story: Eagles Seek to Extend Win Streak in Prime-Time Clash With Resurgent Rams

A Wizard on the Wing

When he was picked by the Wallabies last month for their end-of-year European tour, the 26-year-old Potter said he had been given the nickname “Wizard” by a teammate — in reference to the Harry Potter character in J.K. Rowling’s fantasy novels. Rowling has said she wrote most of the Harry Potter books in Edinburgh.

Potter then issued a test for the rugby media.

“It’s a good challenge for journalists to see if they can think of a unique or original Harry Potter pun,” Potter said at the time.

“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.”

Related Story: Nick Chubb Plows Through Heavy Snow as Browns Beat Steelers

From London to Melbourne

Potter was born in London in December 1997 — six months after “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” the first of Rowling’s series of world-famous novels, was released. He moved to Melbourne at the age of 10.

“I was (in Australia) for school,” he said last month. “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.”

Related Story: Brock Purdy’s Status for the 49ers in Doubt This Week Because of Sore ...

Seeking a Grand Slam

Potter will bring his wing wizardry to an Australia team seeking a sweep of the rugby nations in Britain and Ireland for the first time since that end-of-year “Grand Slam” was achieved by the Wallabies in 1984.

It’s team in transition, too.

Potter will become the 18th player to make his debut for Australia in 2024 — and the 989th player to feature for the Wallabies in their proud history — as coach Joe Schmidt continues to bring in new faces in search of greater squad depth.

Potter is one of six changes to the team that started the 52-20 win over Wales last weekend, including captain Harry Wilson returning at No. 8 and Joseph Sua’ali’i — who switched from rugby league last month — is back at outside center for his second start for Australia.

Sua’ali’i also started the 42-37 victory over England that kicked off the Wallabies’ end-of-year European tour. It ends in Dublin with a test against Ireland, when Australia will be hoping to clinch a first Grand Slam since 1984.

Samu Kerevi is missing because of suspension after being sent off against Wales.

Scotland No. 8 Matt Fagerson will play his 50th match for his country.