"How Jonny Clayton's Third Leg Injury Transformed Him into a Millionaire World Darts Champion"

JONNY CLAYTON’s darts odyssey began after he broke his right leg for the THIRD TIME.

Long before he started throwing regularly for 501 legs on a dartboard, the Welsh Ferret was a “chopsy little git” on the field as a small scrum-half.

Back in his hometown of Pontyberem in Carmarthenshire, Clayton, 51, loved the game and the banter with the lads in the dressing room.

Yet a hat-trick of accidents – twice playing rugby and once on the wicket – meant he switched his attention to the more sedate game of darts.

It was a life-changing move as he has earned millions on the oche to support his wife and two kids.

said: “I broke my leg for the third time and I thought I’d give it up. Just the third time.

“One time was in cricket. I hit a shot. It’s my knee that came out. And it stuck on the side of my leg. So the second time was while hitting a cricket ball. The other times were tackles in rugby.

“I was 34 age-wise. I was fit. I know I don’t look it now but I was fit. I could have gone back to playing but my were going good. I had started to play Super League and County. I played for Wales in the BDO system.

“There were different interests. When I did break my leg that final time, I thought it was not worth it anymore. The third time, Jonny boy, I thought ‘give it up’.

“I decided, right, let’s give darts a go. I gave Q School a go and on the last day I got through.”

Clayton – who plays in the opening darts game of 2025 – would be the third oldest PDC world champion if he goes all the way, behind Phil Taylor (52 in 2013) and Peter Wright (51 in 2022).

Whatever happens from here, having made the quarter-finals for the second time, he has an excellent chance to qualify for the 2026 Premier League.

Provisionally he is the new world No4 – he has replaced Stephen Bunting – and if that stays that way, assuming does not overtake him in the rankings, he will be an automatic pick for the 17-week road show.

The 2021 Premier League champion said: “It’s a great place to be. I’ve got one young kitten behind me in Gian van Veen. But this old cat is still there. Who knows?

“Ryan and I, we both play the same kind of game. We get up, we get on, and it’s total respect towards each other.

“I know what Ryan’s about. I have to play my best game as he is playing very well. Hopefully it will be a belter.

“I love the Premier League. It’s the best tournament, you are playing against the elite, week-in, week-out.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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