"I’m still processing the decision made by the DRA and the PDC. It hasn’t been easy" - Noa-Lynn van Leuven pointing towards retirement u-turn

Noa-Lynn van Leuven has hidden in the shadows since being barred from playing on the Women's Series by the PDC. She has now broken her silence, traversing to social media to explain her feelings while offering an update over the past few weeks.

Back at the start of April, new guidelines drawn up by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) and adopted by the PDC, heavily impacting van Leuven's involvement in darts. As of April 2026, only biological women can play women's tournaments. This prevents van Leuven from continuing to compete on such events like the Women's Series, forced to play her trade in the open category.

The decision has been met by a mixed audience. Van Leuven has since stayed relatively quiet but has now posted a message on Instagram as she shares her true feelings on recent events.

"Yep, it’s been a little quiet over here… life said “plot twist" and I needed a minute to catch up. But I’m back. Did you miss me?" she began writing.

While the decision is a very painful one, she is not letting it impact her darts career with retirement not an option. "I’m still processing the decision made by the DRA and the PDC. It hasn’t been easy, and it still hurts. But deep down I know I’m not ready to walk away from this game."

More opportunities have opened up. While one door closes, another one opens. "That moment also meant my schedule suddenly opened up, and I’ve been using that time to explore WDF events and new opportunities within darts… and let’s just say, there are some exciting things ahead."

Adding to this, there has been change on the admin side of things as well, not just from a sporting point of view. Van Leven shared the news that she has split from equipment partner Cosmo Darts after years partnered together.

"Also, a little appreciation moment. After 3 amazing years, it’s time to say goodbye to Cosmo Darts. They’ve supported me with some of the best gear out there, and I’ll always be grateful for that."

She reminisced the good times they enjoyed together. "I still remember receiving my first set of darts just minutes before heading to Hildesheim for the Women’s Series… and somehow turning that into a run all the way to the Women’s World Matchplay. Moments like that stay with you forever."

She finished by teasing her audience on what may come next: "New chapter loading… and trust me, you’ll want to see what’s next."