The Wern
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| Full name | The Wern Sports Park |
|---|---|
| Location | Merthyr Tydfil |
| Coordinates | 51°44′33″N 3°23′05″W / 51.742439°N 3.384731°W |
| Capacity | 4,500 |
| Surface | Artificial turf |
| Opened | 1958 |
| 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.