GERWYN PRICE is the ex-hooker who grew up wanting to be the next Jonathan Davies – now he is the best in the world at landing three-in-a-bed.

Like most young Welsh lads, the 36-year-old was fascinated growing up by the sport of rugby and matched his hero to some extent by playing in both league and union to a decent standard.

Yet the gamble eight years ago to jack in the oval game and focus solely on the oche was rewarded when Price became just the fifth Welshman in history to stand on top of the darting world last year.

Not to mention the small matter of earning more than £1milllion in prize money over the past two years to elevate him to top of the world rankings for the first time.

The Cardiff-born ace is one of only 10 men to experience lifting the PDC World Darts trophy over the past 27 years.

Yet it is not his only claim to fame as he did once score a try in a cup final at the Millennium Stadium.

It was back in 2012 when Price, a bulking 16st No.2 for Cross Keys, crossed the try line in a 32-19 victory over Pontypridd in the SWALEC Cup final at the national stadium in Cardiff.

I know how it feels to score a try in a big final at the Millennium stadium. Eight years down the line, it’s crazy to have a completely different career

Price recalled: “I played there a couple of times in club rugby. I know how it feels to score a try in a big final at the Millennium stadium.

“It was the club's first major trophy in their history. It was surprising but we were a good team.

“We also got to the British and Irish Cup final, and we missed out on the playoffs in the league.

“Eight years down the line, it’s crazy to have a completely different career. I hadn't even picked up a dart back in 2012.”

It shows how far he has come, the remarkable journey he has been on, that Davies, 59, who represented his country at both 13-man and 15-man rugby, was celebrating his Ally Pally triumph last year.

On the stage, Price revels in the pantomime villain role, often booed by fans for his muscular, scream-in-your-face celebrations. The controversial 2018 Grand Slam of Darts final, when he was heavily fined for gamesmanship, only made the jeers louder.

Off the stage, however, Price reflects his nickname the Iceman: cool, calm, self-depreciating and quiet. With the media he is a joy to work with. And keeps himself to himself backstage.

He has been with his wife Bethan since they were 17 years old, getting married back in 2018, and she controls his social media account. Ensuring therefore that he is shielded from the worst snips from the online trolls.

When he away at tournaments, he badly misses his two children Emily and Bethany, who are based in the South Wales village town of Markham.

Price is developing a reputation for being the Robbie Fowler of darts, investing his money wisely in bricks and mortar.

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He has about seven to eight properties on his portfolio, which he either rents out or renovates before selling on.

Greyhounds are his other passion in life. He owns several dogs on the circuit and even had a runner in the Irish Derby.

They are often named after highlights of his career – GrandSlam Champ, Double Top, Perfect Nine and No.17 Black – and allow him the chance to switch off from the gruelling demands of professional darts.

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