Who is Gerwyn Price, and did PDC World Darts finalist used to be rugby player?

THE PDC World Darts has been superb entertainment this year - despite no crowds allowed at the Ally Pally.

But one player who has thrived with the event being behind closed doors is boo boy Gerwyn Price - and the Welshman is into the final.

Known for his aggressive celebrations, Price - one of the most talented darts players in the world - has rubbed fans and opponents alike up the wrong way in previous championships.

Who is Gerwyn Price?

Born in Cardiff in 1985, Price is third in the darts world rankings (PDC Order of Merit - November 2020).

He won the Grand Slam of Darts in 2018 and 2019 and the World Grand Prix in 2020.

In the PDC World Championship he reached the semi-final in 2020, losing a bad-tempered match to eventual winner Peter Wright.

Price apologised after the clash for refusing to shake his opponent's hand.

Footage also emerged online of him almost hitting Wright with a dart during a practice throw after a TV ad break.

Price goes by the nickname The Iceman and walks on to Vanilla Ice's hit song Ice Ice Baby.

The Welshman lives in Blackwood, South Wales, with his wife Bethan, and has a daughter, Emily.

Did Gerwyn Price used to be a rugby player?

Gerwyn Price was a professional rugby union player, playing as hooker for Welsh Premier Division sides Neath and Cross Keys.

The darts star also had a spell at Pro14 side Glasgow Warriors as injury cover and played rugby league for South Wales Scorpions.

However he quit in 2014 to focus entirely on his darts.

Price also had a job as a bouncer in Bargoed, Caerphilly, where he was assaulted in 2010, requiring 42 stitches to his forehead and five to his chin.