However, the work to clear the snow off the covers and render Kingsholm Stadium fit for purpose, couldn't actually begin until Friday afternoon.
At this point, a well organised operation clicked into gear, based on teamwork and good old fashioned hard work.
The work of the next 24 hours left Vaughan, who started in post in December, full of pride and he duly praised the effort today:
"I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all the staff, stewards and volunteers for the tremendous effort put into ensuring the game against Mont-de-Marsan was played on Saturday.
"Heavy snow during Thursday night caused the pitch protection dome to be lowered. By midday on Friday over 10cm of snow covered the pitch, which had to be moved to reinflate the dome.
"The snow itself couldn't simply be left at the side of the pitch and had to be moved off the field of play. Ground staff, supported by management, staff and volunteers provided the muscle to hand shovel the snow onto trailers and move it out to the car park or into the front of the Shed.
"At the same time, staff were clearing and gritting critical pathways and concourse areas. The pitch was clear of snow by 6:30pm, and the dome reinflated 30 minutes later. Fortunately, the snow held off and the dome remained up, warming the Kingsholm turf.
"At about 9:00am on Saturday an army of staff, 21 stewards and 7 volunteers gathered to commence clearing and gritting the stands and access points. Stephen Freeman Catering also provided staff and salt to make large areas and access points safe for supporters.
"Without the tremendous effort put in by many people, my inspection of the Stadium, with Mark Williams, Operations Manager and Dave Balmer, Stadium Manager, would have necessitated the game to have been played behind closed doors. I am sure this would not have been a situation, our supporters would have wanted.
"The hard work by staff and the support proved by stewards, volunteers and contractors has reaffirmed the brief I have been given about the dedication people have to Gloucester Rugby.
"Once again, thank you to one and all for the great effort over long hours to ensure that the game against Mont-de-Marsan was able to be staged as planned."
