Scarlets Bid A Fond Farewell To Tank Topper Man

In the general workforce, employees come and go and occasionally some stand out for their dedication and sometimes something just that little bit special.
During the Scarlets versus Tigers game, Parc y Scarlets said a fond farewell to a special employee who will live on in the hearts and memories of supporters longer than many of the players… the man, the legend that is Daniel Vaughan.
When Daniel took to his social media accounts to announce his departure last week, the messages of support flooded in from supporters, sponsors and colleagues alike. One even suggested that his departure was more of a loss to the region that Wayne Pivac leaving to coach Wales!
A familiar face in Dafen Cricket club as well as being a life-long Scarlets supporter, Daniel began working at the Scarlets five years ago as part of the Community Team before joining the Commercial Team as an Account Manager in 2016. In addition to his official role, Daniel, affectionately known as ‘Tank Topper Man’ has become a very famous face and voice on Scarlets away trips.
Proving an important link between the club and the numerous sponsors that he has played an influential part in securing, Daniel’s warm personality coupled with an almost Grav-esque knack of making complete strangers feel like you’re a life-long friend, has made the hospitality experience at Parc y Scarlets so enjoyable for the hundreds he has entertained over the years.
However, it was on away trips that Daniel came into his own. Whether it be an official Scarlets supporters away trip, or one organised exclusively by ‘Vaughan Voyage’, the ‘Where’s Wally?’ tank tops have graced many a rugby stadium word-wide, often raising hundreds of pounds for charity along the way.
Notorious for his iconic red suit that is as widely recognised as Max Boyce’s giant leek in the rugby fraternity, Daniel has single handily entertained both travelling away supporters and gained the admiration of home fans who would dearly love a Daniel Vaughan of their own!
Possessing a rich, powerful voice that any Cor Meibion would be proud to have amongst their ranks, it is rare that the air isn’t filled with singing when Daniel is in the room. His repertoire is wide and varied from traditional Welsh hymns such as ‘Sanctaidd’ to typical Welsh rugby songs like Hymns and Arias and of course, Sosban Fach, and then add in his own personal version of Alouette (How I love her bouncy baps…!!!!!)
It was a fitting tribute to Daniel that he led the singing at the start of his last fixture as a Scarlets employee before beginning his new role with local company, Castell Howell. Sporting a brand new sequined red jacket for the occasion, he led the singing of Sosban Fach and Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah and as ever, his Scarlets family joined in, creating an atmosphere that was a mix of goose bumps and tears.
Undoubtedly, his love and support of the Scarlets will long continue despite the new path his career has taken and his smile will continue lighting up both Parc y Scarlets and many another away trip.
The Region also said a fond farewell to Media and Communications Manager, Nerys Henry who, unlike Daniel preferred her role to be more ‘behind the scenes.’ After 10 years, Nerys has begun a new role with local production company Lens360.
As the online presence for the Scarlets, Nerys built up a rapport with supporters that had left other regions in her wake, together with a professional and efficient relationship with the media. Gaining plaudits for her promotion of the Welsh Language and bi-lingual communication in the Region, she has ensured that the Scarlets are at the top not only in rugby but in professional sport in Wales.
Both have been influential in ensuring the success of the off-field running of the region during the last few years and will be greatly missed. We wish them well for the future in their new roles.