A 1940s advertising slogan claimed: “If you want to get ahead, get a hat”.
Well, sporting natty headgear has certainly helped Harri Deaves become arguably the most conspicuous player in Welsh rugby at the moment.
But the Ospreys flanker’s stand-out performances are far from being all about his trademark brightly coloured scrum cap.
At the end of Saturday’s match against Zebre, Deaves was wearing a different hat, which signified how important he has become to Mark Jones’ squad.
In the Ospreys’ huddle after the 24-0 win, a delighted Deaves was presented with a cap to mark his 50th appearance for the region.
No mean achievement when you consider the company Deaves has kept in the back row since making his senior debut against Sale Sharks in a Heineken Champions Cup match in 2022.
Ospreys’ most recent British Lion Jac Morgan and one of the region’s greatest products, Justin Tipuric – the man Deaves cites as his hero - have been amongst his rivals for a starting shirt.
When Tipuric swapped his own distinctive blue scrum cap for a coaching hat in the summer, Ospreys fans mourned the loss of their iconic openside’s influence on the field.
Justin Tipuric has swapped his distinctive blue scrum cap for a coaching role at the Ospreys. Pic. Owen Morgan
But Deaves, always a popular figure amongst the faithful in the stands, has cemented his cult figure status at the start of this season.
At the moment, it’s a case of The King is Dead, Long Live the King. The fans’ favourite crown seems to be sitting comfortably on Deaves’ head after the first three matches of this season.
Although Wales captain Morgan, who is yet to return to action following his exploits in Australia, is waiting ominously in the wings.
Deaves has grabbed his chance to impress with the same ravenous appetite he gobbles up turnover opportunities.
As the Ospreys took their bow at their season-long Brewery Field home, fans were keen to show their appreciation for the No.7’s efforts during the two season-opening matches in South Africa.
Jack Walsh on his way to a player of the match winning performance. Pic. Owen Morgan
The Ospreys may have flown their Swansea.Com nest, but a familiar tune associated with the stadium’s footballing tenants has followed them up the M4.
The “Ben Cabango’s Magic Hat” chant - so popular amongst the Jack Army in honour of their captain and Welsh international centre-half - echoed around the famous old ground, but with a modified Harri Deaves lyric.
And when the Pontyclun product went to show off his new Ospreys cap to fans, friends and family after the match, many were sporting their own bright yellow versions of Harri’s Magic Hat.
Deaves spoke with obvious pride at having reached his appearance milestone and the opportunity to share the moment with team-mates and a sizeable contingent from his home town.
“It’s surreal, I said to the boys, I dreamt of having one cap and today I achieved 50,” said Deaves.
“And I get to share that moment with some of my best mukkas on the field.
“It won’t sink in . . . I don’t think that it’s sunk in that I’ve got one! Maybe when I’ve finished rugby I’ll look back with very fond memories. It’s an honour to get 50.”
Harri's Magic Hat. Pic. Owen Morgan
On the subject of how many tickets he had secured for friends and family, he was staying tight lipped: “I had a few, let’s just keep it at that, I won’t say how many!”
It’s no wonder Deaves, with his infectious enthusiasm for the game, seems so popular amongst his team-mates and fans.
There was another football-influenced tribute at the start of the afternoon when he led out the Ospreys out on the pitch before the match.
Fluttering on the sideline just a couple of yards away was a banner bearing the slogan: “We all dream of a team of Harry Deaves” – echoing the ditty Swansea fans used to sing to the tune of Yellow Submarine about another fans’ favourite, Alan Tate.
The big centre-half, who captained Swansea in their historic first Premier League match against Manchester City, was recognisable on the pitch thanks to a shock of distinctive hair – similarly eye-catching to Deaves’ scrum cap.
Harri Deaves typically in the middle of the action. Pic. Owen Morgan
But Tate won his army of admirers thanks to his battling style and for playing with his heart on his sleeve.
Deaves may have adopted his trademark flourescent scrum cap so that his nan could spot him on his pitch, but it’s his combative, all-action performances which are really earning the plaudits.
And the 24-year-old seems to have become particularly popular with the younger Ospreys fans.
Every time the flanker went anywhere near the ball against the Italian side, high-pitched, unbroken voices could be heard yelling “Go on ‘Arri” around the Brewery Field’s tight stands and terraces.
Harri Deaves standing out in the crowd. Pic. Owen Morgan
While Jack Walsh rightly earned the recognition of the official player-of-the-match judges, there was no doubting who the fledgling Ospreys fans were rooting for.
Deaves may not have walked away with the sponsors’ gong on this occasion, but there are plenty of experts who are ready to sing his praises and suggest greater honours may be ahead.
If the former Wales Under-20 star carries on his current form, he may be sporting a fetching little red velvet number with a gold tassel dangling from the top before the season’s out.
Harri Deaves poised to pounce against Zebre. Pic. Owen Morgan
