Jump to content

The Wern

Coordinates: 51°44′33″N 3°23′05″W / 51.742439°N 3.384731°W / 51.742439; -3.384731
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Wern
Map
Full nameThe Wern Sports Park
LocationMerthyr Tydfil
Coordinates51°44′33″N 3°23′05″W / 51.742439°N 3.384731°W / 51.742439; -3.384731
Capacity4,500
SurfaceArtificial turf
Opened1958
Tenants
Merthyr RFC (1958-)
South Wales Ironmen (2017)

The Wern is a sports stadium in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. It is the home of rugby union club Merthyr RFC and was, for a short period in 2017, also home of rugby league club South Wales Ironmen.[1] The stadium is located on Cae'r Wern in the east of Merthyr Tydfil, around 10 minutes walk from the town centre. Opened in 1958,[2] there has been expansion and improvements made to facilities in recent years, including the addition of an artificial turf pitch[3] and the construction of additional stands. The stadium is a combination of seating and standing with a total capacity of 4,500.

The stadium is one of two in the town, along with Penydarren Park, home of Merthyr Town F.C.

Stands

[edit]

There are three covered stands at the Wern along with additional standing room around all sides of the pitch. Access to all stands is via Cae'r Wern.

Main Stand

[edit]

This all-seater stand is raised above the pitch with a set of steps up to the first row of seating. The changing rooms and media facilities are located in this stand.

Sir Gilbert Stanley Thomas Stand

[edit]

A temporary, all-seater stand, named for Merthyr RFC president Sir Stanley Thomas. It extends approximately halfway down each side of the pitch either side of the halfway line.

Leisuretime Stand

[edit]

A combination of seating and standing, this stand is located at one end of the pitch. The stand is sponsored by travel company Leisuretime.

Additional facilities

[edit]

The facilities at the Wern have been improved in recent years, in line with rising attendances due to Merthyr RFC's league success.

3G all-weather pitch

[edit]

The playing surface is Artificial turf. This was installed in 2016 by South Wales Sports Grounds and is complete with a blue border around the main playing surface.

Floodlights

[edit]

There are several tall floodlights positioned along both sides of the pitch.

Club shop

[edit]

A club shop is situated in the main car park and operated by Merthyr RFC kit manufacturer, Macron.

Lounge/bar

[edit]

A sponsors lounge and bar is located to one side of the Main Stand and is open during match days.

Transport

[edit]

The Wern is located approximately 10 minutes walk from Merthyr Tydfil bus station and Merthyr Tydfil railway station. Parking at the stadium is limited with around 50 available spaces.

Clubhouse

[edit]

The clubhouse is located around half a mile from the Wern, close to Merthyr Tydfil College and the town centre. There are several bars, a function room and parking facilities.

References

[edit]
[edit]