GERWYN PRICE has admitted he wouldn’t have quit rugby to become a darts player if he knew the financial burden involved.
The Welshman, 40, is one of the biggest names in the game but at one point it looked like he’d be scoring tries rather than 180s.
Gerwyn Price has revealed he may have never started a career in darts if he knew the financial implicationsCredit: PA
started his career as a hooker for Welsh sides Neath and Cross Keys and also had a stint with the Glasgow Warriors.
He was later encouraged to try his luck at by ex-player and fellow Welshman Barrie Bates as he went through Q School.
Price told Darts News : “I only went there because Barrie Bates was twisting my arm, messaging me and enticing me to go for like two years, and I eventually went.
“I had no expectations of myself at all. I was just there to support Barrie and Jon Worsley, have a weekend away and just try my luck.”
But he said he had no idea about the cost involved for darts starts in the early days – and admitted he might have stuck to rugby if he was aware.
The Iceman continued: “If I’d known at the time that we had to pay to enter Pro Tours – which was a hundred quid plus a fiver for markers – and pay to enter the European Tours, if I knew that I wouldn’t have come.
“A weekend with the hotel could cost me a grand. But looking back, I’m glad I didn’t know.”
He also revealed his quick progress in darts surprised pal Bates, who joked he should go back to playing rugby.
The Welshman started off as a rugby player before impressing after trying his luck in dartsCredit: Reuters
Price added: “I used to go around all the local tournaments—£300, £400, £500 for the winner—and I used to win the majority of them.
“I’d only just picked up a set of darts and I was still playing rugby.
“I played Barry and smashed him up in the George, And he was like, ‘Why don’t you f*** off back to rugby?’
“He kept saying, ‘You’ve got to come to Q School’, and I was like, ‘I’m a rugby player—no, it’s not for me’.”
After picking up his Tour Card in 2014, Price has become one of the world’s best players, winning the World Darts Championship in 2021.
He’s also won the Grand Slam of Darts on three occasions, the World Series twice and the World Grand Prix.
But he suffered a difficult time at the recent world championships after being by world no 92 Wesley Plaisier.
It was his worst result at Ally Pally in seven years as he was crushed 3-0 in just 22 minutes.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
