A family that has fallen in love with Warrington - an evening with the Vaughans
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)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Aussie pilot captures extraordinary moment during record-breaking event : 'Amazing scenes
An Australian pilot has captured an extraordinary moment in nature from above, showing "a serpent" formation emerge beneath the surface of a lake, formed by Pelicans chasing fish. "Amazing scenes from Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, a serpent appears on the surface, formed by Pelicans chasing fish along the Warburton Creek, before it enters the lake," the Arid Air tour group wrote in a post online this week. The stunning shot, captured by Senior Pilot Tekin, was taken during a scenic flight "when the first of the pelicans arrived" around the inlet. Located in South Australia's arid heart, Lake Eyre is the lowest natural point on the Australian continent. Most of the time, it's a white salt flat. But when enough water reaches it, fed by distant rivers like Cooper Creek, the Diamantina, and Georgina, the basin transforms into Australia's largest lake, drawing birds, wildlife and awe-struck visitors. Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is filling for just the fourth time in the past 160 years. This year's flood is the result of a record-breaking convergence of rainfall across all three of the Lake Eyre Basin's major catchments — something not seen since 2010–11, and possibly longer. "All three of them have been concurrently in a record-breaking flood," Talia, an SA-based outback pilot, previously told Yahoo News. "It's just such a rare sight, only the people who book these air tours can see it. It's an extremely remote area of extremely dry conditions. "They call it a 'dry flood' because there's been no local rainfall in that area at all... so to see this lifeblood of water descending, trickling through the desert and knowing what it's going to leave behind — the greenery along the floodplain — it's just a once-in-a-lifetime, spectacular opportunity. "You feel very privileged to see the rare sight that it is." South Australia's Department of Environment reported last month that 600 to 1000 gigalitres of water are flowing into Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre in South Australia from western Queensland, after a 2,000 kilometre band of rain swept across the country in March. The deluge saw parts of the Queensland outback go underwater, with residents cut off for weeks. Now the water is spilling into Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, which has only filled to capacity three times in the past 160 years. Rush to see rare Aussie phenomenon sparks warning Phenomenon not seen in 50 years set to create 'inland sea' Tourists face ban at iconic attraction over 'sacred' nature The full inundation is expected to breathe life back into the salt lake's crust, its wildlife, and the surrounding vegetation. As floodwaters arrive, they trigger a remarkable transformation — rare and dormant species burst into life, and others are drawn to the lake in spectacular numbers. Speaking to Yahoo News on Friday, an SA National Parks and Wildlife Service spokesperson said the best way to see Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre "and the hundreds of species of birdlife that it attracts", is from the air. "But visitors can witness the spectacle of the lake from dedicated viewing points within Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park," they said. "The new management plan for the park, which was introduced in February this year, restricts recreational access to the lakebed, including visitors entering the lakebed on foot. All other recreational activities, including swimming, driving, boating and landing aircraft, are already restricted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972." Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Japan's high-tech sunscreens tap into skincare craze
When YouTuber Hannah Price set out to compare Japanese and Australian sunscreen, she wasn't expecting her deep dive into the subject to rack up over two million views. The huge number of people poring over Price's video shows the growing interest in skincare products from Japan, much like the K-beauty phenomenon from South Korea. It includes sun protection, increasingly recognised as a daily essential by influencers who want to shield their skin from ageing and enthuse about the lightweight texture of Japanese brands. Companies that have perfected their secret formulas want to capitalise on booming demand, including by building factories overseas and selling to Japan's record influx of foreign tourists. Price, 32, fell into a "year-long rabbit hole" while making her video, learning about everything from SPF science to cultural attitudes to sun exposure. "I always loved Japanese sunscreen, since I first moved to Japan in 2012," she told AFP at her studio in Tokyo. "I remember trying it for the first time and thinking, 'this is so much better than anything I tried in Australia'," her home country where sun cream felt "thick, sticky, greasy". "I thought that the video would be popular... but I wasn't expecting it to reach as far" as it did, Price said. The habit of regular sunscreen use is spreading, especially among younger generations, said Takuya Wada, who works in marketing for Japanese chemical and cosmetics firm Kao. "There are no borders when it comes to obtaining information on social media, especially Instagram and TikTok," he said, adding that influencer posts have a "very large" impact on global sunscreen sales. - 'Beautifully white' - The global skincare market was worth more than $115 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $194 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. A boom in celebrity skincare brands has contributed to the industry's growth -- with A-listers like Kylie Jenner using social media to share their beauty routines, including sun protection, with hundreds of millions of followers. When it comes to sunscreen, country-specific regulations mean no single company dominates the field, as the entry barriers to new markets are higher. Kao's main sunscreen brand Biore UV is ranked 10th worldwide for sales, and second in Asia -- competing with the likes of L'Oreal and Beiersdorf, and Japanese rivals such as Shiseido. The company wants sales from sun protection to reach 35 billion yen ($240 million) in 2027, up 1.6 times from 2023. It plans to boost overseas production by opening three new sunscreen factories, in Indonesia, Brazil and Germany. It is technically difficult to develop formulas that block the rays effectively with a smooth texture, as demanded by Japanese consumers, said Takashi Fukui, research and development director for Kao skincare products. But using scientific know-how to strike this tricky balance is what makes Kao "different from other European or American makers". In Japan, a cultural obsession with light skin dates back to the sixth century and using white powder imported from China later became a status symbol among nobility. Fair skin indicated a life away from outdoor labour and sun exposure, and an old Japanese proverb says "white skin covers the seven flaws". In the 1990s, people began using sunscreen or other cosmetics to avoid tanning -- a trend dubbed "bihaku", or beautifully white. These days, Japanese women use sunscreen as everyday protection against sunspots and ageing, caused when UV rays penetrate into the skin, said Fukui. - Winter sun - Tans have long been fashionable in Western countries, but awareness of skin cancer risks is rising, making sunscreen an important healthcare product there, Fukui said. One fan of Japanese brands is Thai skincare influencer Suari Tasanakulpan, who calls them "lightweight" compared to "heavy and uncomfortable" Western offerings. "There are always new technologies and innovative textures that are often ahead of other countries," the 40-year-old, who reviews sunscreens on YouTube, told AFP. At an outlet of drugstore chain MatsukiyoCocokara in Tokyo's Shibuya district, around 90 sunscreen products are lined up on the shelves. "Sales of sunscreen is improving year on year," said Takeshi Otsuki, deputy manager of the chain's cosmetic division. "More people are using sunscreen on a daily basis these days, so their needs are becoming more diverse," he said. The number of male customers is also increasing, and Japanese sunscreens are very popular with overseas tourists who buy them in multipacks, Otsuki said. While summer is high season, sunscreen is popular year-round, because Japan has a "relatively high number of sunny days in the winter, and the sunlight hours are long". YouTuber Price now uses both Japanese and Australian sunscreen, depending on the occasion. She sees the rise in education about sunscreens worldwide as a win-win situation. It "means you're going to be better protected in general, which is great for everyone", she said. nf/kaf/ecl/fox Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
Daniel Ricciardo Slammed by Fans Over Controversial Social Media Post
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is under fire from fans after making a controversial social media post. Since leaving the F1 grid, Ricciardo has remained silent. He stepped away from the sport and the spotlight in totality. He broke his silence on June 18, opting to release a controversial advertisement on his X (formerly Twitter) account. Ricciardo partnered with the Australian sports betting company Dabble. Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills and Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo pose for a photo before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on November 3, 2024 in Orchard Park, New... Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills and Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo pose for a photo before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on November 3, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. More Photo by TimothyHe announced a competition that will have a winner and a guest who will travel from an English airport to the United States for an American football weekend extravaganza. The prize offers flights, a three-night stay, VIP tickets to the tailgate party, and a meet-and-greet with the driver. The contest is named The Ultimate Texas Tailgate with Daniel Ricciardo. To enroll, people have to create an account on the Dabble app. I've given retirement a crack, but It's not for me. So, I've teamed up with the legends at Dabble to start a Tailgate business... Check it out at What are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit… — Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) June 18, 2025 All over the world, sports gambling is growing as more areas continue to legalize it. In the United States, sports betting is everywhere, essentially inescapable for a sports fan. As the industry grows, people are becoming more and more aware of gambling addictions and the risks of making them more accessible. The aftermath of Ricciardo's announcement was a wave of negative comments under the post, many of which were disappointed by his promotion of a gambling company. "Would have supported the tailgate business idea without the direct link to a betting company, man. Disappointed," a user commented. "What a shame. You're shilling for a gambling company. JFC. Surely you don't need the money that badly," another said. "Seriously mate? Money that tight is it? Of all the things you choose to put your name and face on you chose gambling? So bloody disappointing," a third added. "Yikes! Considering Aussies gamblers have the highest losses per capita in the world and a high rate of teenagers on gambling sites, this isn't it DR," a person posted. "Come on mate I'm a massive fan but this isn't at all something good to put your name to. Gambling destroys lives, surely there's better things to work with," a fifth person said. Ricciardo is far from the only athlete to take money from a gambling company, but his set of fans have shared their disappointment over his willingness to promote the vice. The Australian racer left F1 back in 2024 after being replaced during the season by Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. Red Bull Racing gave him another opportunity with the team in 2023, hoping he would beat out teammate Yuki Tsunoda and rebuild his confidence, but it never clicked. After several races, the higher-ups at Red Bull decided to give Lawson a look, leaving Ricciardo on the outside looking in. Since leaving, Ricciardo has promoted his wine company and clothing brand while staying away from the limelight until now. Given the negative reaction, it will be interesting to see if he continues to advertise Dabble or calls an end to the tailgate party.
