Jonny Clayton: Scrum-Half to a Darting Full Monty:
As the most successful Welsh plasterer in the history of darts, Jonny Clayton somehow managed to balance a trowel in one hand and a tungsten dart in the other.
Now one of the most respected figures in the sport, Clayton’s professionalism and success have been matched by his loyalty. MODUS Sports Management and ZWA Sports Management recently announced a multi-year extension, proudly announcing:
“Our relationship with Jonny spans over ten years, and we are pleased to be able to continue working with him for the long-term future. Jonny is quite simply one of the best players in the world of darts, currently sitting at number six on the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder, and he has won multiple trophies during his time as a professional player.”
From working tirelessly for Carmarthenshire County Council by day and the oche by night, he rose to elite heights in the sport whilst juggling family life too. Proves beyond doubt, he is indeed a Jack (or Jonny) of all trades.Before tungsten and treble twenties took over, rugby was Clayton’s first love.
Small in stature but full of bite, he captained his local side, Pontyberem, from the scrum-half position. It was there his famous nickname was born – christened after a spirited member of the Mustelidae family, he became known to the darting world as ‘The Ferret, a moniker that, much like his game, stuck fast.
These days, you can even raise a pint in the ‘Ferret Lounge’ – a fitting tribute to the man who swapped muddy boots for match darts.At the back end of 2020, Jonny’s tungsten career took flight after winning the World Cup of Darts for Wales alongside a then-café owner named Gerwyn. Wonder what happened to him?
The Welsh maesro’s 2021 season was nothing short of dazzling – if it was live on TV and unranked, Jonny bagged it. He claimed the PDC Masters before sweeping up the Premier League, World Series of Darts Finals, then World Grand Prix (finally something ranked) – all in one relentless year.
Clayton himself was equally as thrilled with the double renewal, saying :
“I’m over the moon to be continuing my work with MODUS and ZWA. They have guided my career perfectly, and that’s shown in the trophies that I have won. There is still plenty more left in the sport that I want to achieve, and I know that I will be helped in any way that I need to make that happen.”
From plastering walls to plastering opponents, Jonny Clayton has built more than a career – he’s built a legacy, one dart at a time.
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Images: Red Dragon
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Images: Red Dragon
