{{Short description|Rugby stadium in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales}} {{Infobox venue | name = The Wern | nickname = | fullname = The Wern Sports Park | logo_image = The_Wern_Sports_Park_logo.png | logo_size = 220px | image = | caption = | location = Merthyr Tydfil | coordinates = {{Coord|51.742439|-3.384731|display=it}} | public_transit = | built = | opened = 1958 | closed = | capacity = 4,500 | surface = Artificial turf | tenants = Merthyr RFC (1958-)<br>South Wales Ironmen (2017) | former_names = }}
'''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.<ref>[http://www.caerphillyobserver.co.uk/sport/961368/rugby-league-scorpions-to-rebrand-as-south-wales-ironmen-and-move-to-merthyr-tydfil/ Caerphilly Observer]</ref> 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,<ref>[http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/merthyr-rise-east-now-settle-2306659 WalesOnline]</ref> there has been expansion and improvements made to facilities in recent years, including the addition of an artificial turf pitch<ref>[http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/rugby-valleys-heartlands-merthyr-pontypridd-11635512 WalesOnline]</ref> 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== 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=== 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=== 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=== 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== 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=== 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=== There are several tall floodlights positioned along both sides of the pitch.
===Club shop=== A club shop is situated in the main car park and operated by Merthyr RFC kit manufacturer, Macron.
===Lounge/bar=== A sponsors lounge and bar is located to one side of the Main Stand and is open during match days.
==Transport== 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== 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== {{reflist}}
== External links == *[http://www.thewern.co.uk/ The Wern Sports Park website]
Category:Rugby union stadiums in Wales Category:Rugby league stadiums in Wales Category:Sport in Merthyr Tydfil Category:Multi-purpose stadiums in the United Kingdom