Haverhill darts player Ruby Grey follows in footsteps of Luke Littler and Beau Greaves with England call-up

Haverhill-based darts sensation Ruby Grey has achieved a childhood dream of representing her country – after topping the England Youth Grand Prix standings last month.

The players who finish in the top two positions at the conclusion of the eight-event league claimed the under-18 slots in next year’s England squad.

The 16-year-old Haverhill Community Sixth Form pupil’s campaign saw her win two of the events, finish runner-up in one and make the semi-finals on the other five occasions.

Grey’s father, David, spoke of how proud he was of his daughter’s achievements as their family ahead of the confirmation of her place.

“I’m extremely proud but also it’s a bit surreal to think she is likely to be playing for her country,” he said.

“It’s something every kid dreams about, playing for their country in the sport that they love.

“It’s a stepping stone that all of the great players have taken.

“You’ve got the likes of Luke Littler, who played for England two years ago, Beau Greaves, who was playing for England two years ago; so they’re the biggest names in darts that have pushed on their careers from England.

“Hopefully the stepping stone will continue for Ruby.

“The excitement all of the family is sharing at the moment is that they might soon be watching Ruby on the television.”

Grey is likely to team up with her Suffolk captain Jo Locke in the England squad and the pair have struck a ‘special bond’ in their time playing together.

“She’s thrilled that she could be paired up with Jo, who also plays for England,” said David.

“She’ll be going with these different competitions with her, she has a really special bond with Jo and they just click.

“That was her aim, to get into the England squad to be with Jo in another team as well.”

‘The Rocket’s’ success followed her first-ever WDF World Masters tournament, in Hungary, where she made it to the last eight of the competition last month.

Grey, who signed a two-year sponsorship deal with Winmau Team 360 in August, has ‘grown in confidence’ since a deal which has allowed her to play with custom-made darts. And her father said her next step will be the PDC Women’s Series to improve her ranking.