Darts star ‘got retired’ after DRA confirm major rule change

Noa-Lynn van Leuven has announced she has been ‘retired’ following a Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) ruling.

The Dutch darts player will no longer be permitted to compete in women’s events.

Rex

It follows the DRA’s decision to enforce the International Olympic Committee’s ban on transgender athletes in female fields.

The DRA has ruled that transgender women will not be able to appear in women’s tournaments going forward.

Van Leuven is directly affected by the move and has taken to social media to react to the decision.

She shared an emotional video on Instagram after receiving confirmation she can no longer compete.

The 29-year-old became the first openly transgender player to compete in a televised darts tournament at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship.

Van Leuven statement

In a message to her followers, Van Leuven said: “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.

Rex

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

Van Leuven will no longer be able to compete on the PDC Women’s Series, where she has played since 2022.

She has six event wins to her name including two last year and previously claimed a victory on the PDC Challenger Tour.

As well as her two appearances at Alexandra Palace, Van Leuven also qualified for the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts.

Defeats to Michael van Gerwen, Ryan Joyce and Gary Anderson saw her exit in the group stage.

Across three appearances at the Women’s World Matchplay, Van Leuven’s best performance came in 2025.

Alamy

She was beaten in the semi-finals by eventual runner-up Fallon Sherrock at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool last July.

Van Leuven made it back-to-back PDC World Darts Championship appearances last year.

However, she was beaten 3-0 in the first round by two-time world champion Peter Wright.