Transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven says she ‘got retired’ by new rules

Trans player Noa-Lynn van Leuven says she “just got retired” after new rules were implemented which stop her playing in the Women’s Series.

The Dutchwoman is no longer eligible after changes by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) now state that transgender women cannot compete in women’s events.

The new guidelines came into effect on Thursday, meaning the 29-year-old cannot compete on a tour where she has won six titles since joining in 2022 – one year after her transition.

She will still be eligible for other open PDC events, but says the ruling is “another huge hit for the trans community”.

Van Leuven posted on Instagram: “I just got an email. Apparently, I just got retired — not by choice, but because I am no longer allowed to compete.

“The DRA has just decided that trans women are no longer allowed in women’s events, which basically means I am out.

“I have worked so damn hard for years just to get here. I showed up and I competed. I respected the sport every game and every single day.

“Now, with just one decision, I am being told I no longer belong. This isn’t just about me, it is another huge hit for the trans community.

“Especially after the recent decisions made by the IOC. Every day it is getting harder for trans people just to exist, to compete.

“If you think this stops with me, it doesn’t. We just want to be.”

Van Leuven is a history maker as she became the first transgender woman to play at the World Championship in 2024 and returned to Alexandra Palace in December.

The PDC said in a statement released to the Press Association: “All PDC events are played under DRA Rules and we will continue to abide by DRA regulations, which now include the Eligibility Policy and Rules for Open and Women’s Tournaments.

“We take pride in how inclusive darts is as a sport, and will continue to support players to compete at the best of their ability in our events.”

The DRA undertook a review into its policy last year, commissioning a report from academic developmental biologist Dr Emma Hilton.

Dr Hilton’s report concluded “that multiple, small-magnitude sex differences accumulate to generate male advantage over females in darts”, meaning that in her opinion “darts is a gender-affected sport”.