Welsh rugby may have faced struggles recently, but the sport remains central to communities across the country. With nearly 300 amateur teams, all part of the Welsh Rugby Union, these clubs serve as focal points for towns and villages. Combined with Wales' stunning landscapes, the result is a collection of rugby grounds that are unrivalled in beauty. Here are some of the best.
Scenic Wonders
Parc Mawr, home of Bonymaen RFC, is described as 'the top of the world' and 'God's little garden' by the club itself, offering panoramic views. Alun Wyn Jones once played there as a youngster. Lawrence Park in Pontycymmer boasts a stunning backdrop of the Garw Valley.
Abertillery Park has hosted the All Blacks and Australia in the past, with a beautiful old ground and rich history. The Rec at Penclawdd RFC offers breathtaking views of the Loughor estuary from one side, arguably making it the most picturesque rugby venue in the country.
Coastal and Castle Views
Underhill Park in Mumbles provides picturesque views of the local scenery, especially when the sun shines. Bishop's Field in Llandaff, home since 1876, features the eye-catching Llandaff Cathedral in the background. Clwb Rygbi Harlech's King George V Field is watched over by Harlech Castle—a uniquely Welsh setting.
Flint RFC sits on the banks of the River Dee, with the Wirral across the water and remnants of Flint Castle in the background. Many visiting players have called it the nicest ground they've ever played at. Aberaeron RFC's Parc Drefach offers phenomenal views out over the sea, making it a front-runner for most picturesque ground in Wales.
Mountain Backdrops
The Rec at Bedlinog looks stunning under floodlights with silhouetted landscapes, plus a shelter with a wood burner. The Welfare Ground at Hafodyrynys boasts stunning views of surrounding mountains. North Road at Lampeter Town RFC has views of the surrounding hillside.
Dyffryn Pennar Park in Mountain Ash has a small stand and mountains all around, with the pitch in great shape, branded 'probably the best grassroots ground in Wales' by some. Central Park in Blaina has mountains overlooking the stand, and the team recently won the league and Division One Cup double.
Historic Venues
Virginia Park in Caerphilly hosted a regional derby between the Dragons and Cardiff in 2017. The Athletic Ground in Gowerton is described as 'one of the best in Wales' and is where Leigh Halfpenny honed his kicking on Christmas mornings. Aberaman Park offers modern facilities, with a pitchside clubhouse and striking mountain silhouettes under floodlights.
Graig Park in Penygraig is a top Rhondda Valley ground, often used for cup semi-finals and finals. Sardis Road in Pontypridd, known as 'The House of Pain', has hosted great occasions and now boasts an artificial pitch and modern facilities. The Gnoll in Neath has a billiard-table-flat surface and a warlike atmosphere when the locals chant 'Neath! Neath! Neath!'.
Community Favourites
Brewery Field in Bridgend was home to the Celtic Warriors and the Ospreys in recent times. Sully Sports RFC may not have top facilities, but its location offers a remarkable view. Broadacre in Dunvant is wind-swept but welcoming, with a stand providing great views and a clubhouse that is snug and friendly.
The Welfare Ground in Porth is set into the hillside with terraced housing on one side and mountain views on the others. Penrhys Park in Tylorstown is one of the most stunning venues, with amazing views of the Rhondda Fach Valley. The Old Parish in Maesteg offers views of the entire Llynfi Valley, with a welcoming clubhouse rebuilt after fire damage in 2013.
Unique Settings
The Welfare Ground in Cambrian, known as 'The Tump', is notoriously difficult for visitors. Stad Diwydiannol Llwyn y Gell in Blaenau Ffestiniog has slate mountains overlooking it, with an earthly feel. Windsor Fields in Pontyclun has a clubhouse with a comprehensive view of the pitch. Border Park in Knighton sits right on the Welsh-English border, with an idyllic setting.
Tynewydd RM Park in Treherbert has a sign reading 'Welcome to Hell' above the entrance, but is set at the foot of Rhigos Mountain. Glan yr Afan Park in Blackwood is a solid ground with striking colours and a good-sized stand. Lasgarn View in Garndiffaith is exposed to the elements on a mountain, but offers stunning views and was the scene of a famous Welsh Cup upset when they beat Bridgend.
