Scarlets unveil new away kit inspired by Llanelli’s heritage

🥄 Why Sosban Fach matters to the Scarlets

Sosban Fach (“Little Saucepan”) is one of Wales’ best‑known folk songs. First adapted in the late 19th century, it became closely linked with Llanelli RFC and later the Scarlets regional side.

The connection comes from Llanelli’s tinplate industry, which produced saucepans and kitchenware for homes across Britain. Fans embraced the saucepan as a symbol of the town’s identity, and the song became a terrace anthem.

At Stradey Park, the Scarlets’ former ground, scarlet‑painted saucepans were famously fixed to the goalposts. The tradition continues at Parc y Scarlets, where supporters still belt out Sosban Fach before big matches.

The Scarlets’ official magazine is even titled “Sosban”, underlining how deeply the song is woven into the club’s culture.

🎶 Sosban Fach – full lyrics

Welsh:

Mae bys Meri-Ann wedi brifo,
A Dafydd y gwas ddim yn iach.
Mae’r baban yn y crud yn crio,
A’r gath wedi sgrapo Joni bach.

Sosban fach yn berwi ar y tân,
Sosban fawr yn berwi ar y llawr,
A’r gath wedi sgrapo Joni bach.

Dai bach y sowldiwr,
Dai bach y sowldiwr,
Dai bach y sowldiwr,
A gwt ei grys e mas.

Mae bys Meri-Ann wedi gwella,
A Dafydd y gwas yn ei fedd;
Mae’r baban yn y crud wedi tyfu,
A’r gath wedi huno mewn hedd.

Sosban fach yn berwi ar y tân,
Sosban fawr yn berwi ar y llawr,
A’r gath wedi huno mewn hedd.

English (translation):

Mary-Ann’s finger is injured,
And David the servant is unwell.
The baby in the cradle is crying,
And the cat has scratched little Johnny.

A little saucepan is boiling on the fire,
A big saucepan is boiling on the floor,
And the cat has scratched little Johnny.

Little Dai the soldier,
Little Dai the soldier,
Little Dai the soldier,
With the tail of his shirt hanging out.

Mary-Ann’s finger has healed,
And David the servant is in his grave;
The baby in the cradle has grown,
And the cat is sleeping in peace.

A little saucepan is boiling on the fire,
A big saucepan is boiling on the floor,
And the cat is sleeping in peace.

Note: As with many folk songs, versions vary slightly, but this is the form most often sung by Scarlets supporters.