The annual Six Nations Darts Championship once again assumes its position upon the international calendar, bringing together six representative nations in a contest defined by prestige, patriotism and competitive distinction. Unlike its rugby counterpart, the composition of this particular sextet consists of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands.
This year’s gathering begins today in South-West England, where the North Devon Resort shall host an assemblage of many of the amateur game’s most accomplished practitioners. Competitors will converge upon the venue with aspirations of securing collective honours and augmenting their nation’s sporting renown.
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England enters the tournament as defending champion in both the men’s and women’s disciplines, having secured a notable double triumph twelve months ago. Each national contingent comprises five male representatives and three female competitors, with the participating countries divided into two groups. Following the preliminary phase, the leading two nations from each section will progress to the semi-finals before the eventual finalists contest the championship decider.
In the men’s event, England – who will be led by The Sword, Carl Wilkinson – has been drawn alongside the Netherlands and Northern Ireland, while Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland occupy the opposite section. The women’s competition employs an alternative configuration, with the Netherlands, Scotland and Wales constituting Group One, and England joining Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in Group Two.
One conspicuous omission from the Northern Ireland squad is former WDF World Champion Neil Duff. His absence will inevitably provoke discussion, particularly given his experience and standing within the game. Nevertheless, squad selection remains a matter for the respective national authorities.
Originally inaugurated in 2002 under the auspices of the British Darts Organisation, the championship has endured beyond the demise of its founding body and remains an important fixture within the international amateur landscape. As proceedings commence, all participating nations will seek to etch their names upon the trophy and add another distinguished chapter to the competition’s enduring chronicle.
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Among the numerous talents expected to attract considerable attention is Scotland’s prodigious Mitchell Lawrie, whose remarkable scoring power and precocious composure have already established him as one of the most compelling young figures currently emerging within the sport.
ENGLAND MEN
Jarred Cole
Sean Holley
Lloyd Pennell
Jenson Walker
Carl Wilkinson (Captain)
ENGLAND LADIES
Deta Hedman (Captain)
Paige Pauling
Laura Turner
WALES MEN
Llew Bevan
Mark Challenger
David Davies
Leuan Halsall
Liam Meek
WALES LADIES
Rhian O’Sullivan
Rachel Kingdon
Eve Watson
SCOTLAND MEN
Jamie Bain
Scott Campbell
Davie Kirwan
Mitchell Lawrie
Scott Robertson
SCOTLAND LADIES
Lorraine Hyde
Susanna McGimpsey
Sophie McKinlay
NETHERLANDS MEN
Johann Brouwer
Maikel Nüchter
Berry van Peer
Danny van Trijp
Marc Vleghert
NETHERLANDS LADIES
Priscilla Steenbergen
Kelly Streef
Adriana van Wijgerden Vermaat
NORTHERN IRELAND MEN
Ricky Dunlop
Dean Fitch
Darryl Loughery
Gary Surgenor
Mark Yeates
NORTHERN IRELAND LADIES
Tammy-Jo Grafton
Julie Leahy
Kayleigh O’Neill
REP. OF IRELAND MEN
Adrian Devine
Damien Grimes
Dale McCarthy
Gerard McGlynn
Raymond Mulvey
REP. OF IRELAND LADIES
Rebecca Allen
Sara Joyce
Teresa King
Images: ADC / Chris Sargeant
