A family that has fallen in love with Warrington - an evening with the Vaughans

Yahoo

3 days ago

IT'S a beautiful spring evening – perfect weather for the latest Australian family to have taken Warrington into their hearts.
On such a lovely day, there are few better places to be in these parts than Walton Gardens and that is where we are warmly greeted by Paul Vaughan, his wife Ellie and their two daughters – Mackenzie, 6, and three-year-old Peyton.
Advertisement
We're invited along to join an idyllic after-school evening out and as Mackenzie shows off some impressive cartwheels, it is hard to imagine this is a family living more than 10,000 miles from home.
What is clear, though, is that the Warrington Wolves prop and the three girls he holds most dear are now – and always will be – adopted Warringtonians.
There's even a hint of a Warrington accent for the girls – perhaps understandable given most of their lives have now been spent here since arriving at the end of 2022 – which raises a smile from Mum and Dad.
'We're very outgoing as a family so we're always out doing something, plenty of activities outside of the house,' Vaughan explains as we sit and chat while the girls enjoy themselves in the outdoors.
Advertisement
'When we first came over, we adapted really well. We were excited to experience something different.
'Since we've been here, the way in which everyone in the town has responded to us and taken us in has been great.
'Our girls' development and the way in which they've grown and embraced it has been really special to see for us as parents.
'For that, Warrington will always hold a special place in our hearts.
'We love the place, we love the club and the set-up – we've loved every minute of it.'
Vaughan with daughters Peyton, left, and Mackenzie after the Challenge Cup semi-final win over Leigh Leopards (Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com) Whether its walks around local beauty spots like this one or after-school sports – Mackenzie takes two jiu-jitsu classes per week at the Gracie Barra gym in the town centre – or trips abroad whenever the chance presents, the Vaughan family certainly keep themselves busy.
Advertisement
With different cultures on their doorstep, they have been keen to embrace the full experience.
'It's good for them to see a different side of the world and so many other cultures – we've travelled well while we've been over here. It's great for young kids to see things like that,' Paul says.
'You have the priority of playing great rugby but when you get the chance to do a bit of travelling and experiencing something else, it's pretty much on your doorstep and we've done as much as we can.
'Initially, coming over to the other side of the world was a bit scary but its been so enjoyable.'
Mackenzie and Peyton attend jiu-jitsu classes at the Gracie Barra gym in Warrington town centre (Image: Contributed) And when the time comes to cross the white line for the cornerstone of the Wire pack, Ellie and the girls are never too far behind.
Advertisement
Indeed, fans got a taste of exactly that in a Super League feature during their first year in Warrington when Mackenzie wore a microphone to capture her emotions while watching her Dad play.
The Halliwell Jones Stadium is clearly a happy place for them, with Mackenzie and Peyton just as much at home on the field as Paul himself.
'The girls come into training and walk around like they own the place,' he laughs.
'It's fun to watch them carry on like that but having that family feel is massive for us as a club.
'The best thing about playing this game is being able to share it with your family and your friends – there's nothing I like more after a win than going over to the girls and getting them onto the field.'
Advertisement
And no chat about matchdays at the HJ would be complete without discussing THAT chant…
For the Wire fans, it was pretty much love at first sight when Vaughan first took the field for them – and they certainly let him know.
With a beaming smile, he reveals: 'I sometimes get it chanted at me in the street – it tends to be older men doing it!
'I find it pretty funny but that's the great thing about fans over here.
'It gives you a massive boost when you play as well.
'I think the first time I heard it was at Catalans in my first year. Every time we hear it, it always brings a smile to my face and I love having that kind of connection with the fans.'
Advertisement
The Wire choir were certainly feeling 'Vaughany' at the recent Challenge Cup semi-final, when the big front-rower turned into a dummy-half to score his first try of the season and help them beat Leigh Leopards to book a place at Wembley for the second year in a row.
Vaughan celebrates scoring against Leigh Leopards (Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com) As thousands sang his name, his biggest fan was waiting with her own piece of praise.
'I hadn't scored a try before that this year and as I was walking up the tunnel for half time, Mackenzie was hanging over the edge shouting 'Daddy you finally scored,' the 34-year-old said.
'I had a bit of a laugh there – they keep me on my toes!
Advertisement
'The stakes were a little bit higher – Leigh are our rivals and to be honest, they'd had the wood over us.
'I really wanted to get the best out of myself, and it was a great game.
'You don't want to let those opportunities go past you and I managed to have a strong game. The whole team was on fire that day.'
And so, to Wembley – the scene of a day Vaughan ranks as one of the most disappointing of a career that has seen him earn State of Origin and international representation.
This time last year, he was part of a Warrington side that faltered badly in the Challenge Cup Final and were forced to watch neighbours Wigan Warriors lift the trophy.
Advertisement
Vaughan in action during last year's Challenge Cup Final defeat to Wigan Warriors (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire) They go into this year's final as underdogs against a Hull KR side flying away at the top of Super League but for Vaughan, there burns a desire to repay the town that has taken his family in.
'It would be massive and huge for me,' he says.
'As a club, we're always looking to win trophies but it's been a fair amount of time between drinks.
'For me personally, it would be the icing on the cake. I'd always hold it close to my heart.
'A lot of Aussies have said this in the past, but I came over not really knowing too much about the Challenge Cup.
Advertisement
'Getting to experience the lead-up, making it through the rounds and walking out at Wembley – the feeling of it is pretty hard to explain.
'Getting to do that for a second year in a row is quite an achievement for us as a club, and we'll be better off this year.
'We've got the same kind of squad and this time, the boys know what they're in for. Not many of us had played in that kind of big arena last year, so I think we'll be better for that.
'It was obviously disappointed tossing up what we did last year. It wasn't how we wanted to play but we have another opportunity now which not many teams get.'
Advertisement
While securing silverware is his immediate priority, the million-dollar question for many Warrington fans is about next year – and whether or not Vaughan will still be a part of their squad.
His current deal runs out at the end of the year but Warrington have been public in their desire to keep him around for another year – and the feeling is clearly mutual.
The big man knows he does not have much on-field time left, but he knows where he wants to spend it.
'We're working through a few things at the moment and hopefully, we'll get something sorted,' he said.
'It's getting a bit scary, to be honest! I've turned 34 this year so we're getting towards the end but I'm enjoying my footy.
Advertisement
'I've been having a ball this year, to be honest and physically, I feel great.
'Ellie and the girls are settled here in Warrington and I love representing the club and the town as best I can.'
(Image: SWPix.com)