Nicole RENEGADE Regnaud
The Dart Depot is proud to support one of NZ's best dart players, Nicole RENEGADE Regnaud.
Have a read for a bit of a background on Nicole's dart career:
When did you start playing darts?
My older sister, Ashlee, and I first started playing in league nights at our local darts association, and in the NZDC Junior/Youth Championships when we were around eight or nine-years-old. I still remember being so little and having to jump to pull my darts out of the board!
What first got you into the sport?
My parents, Jason and Yolande, have for as long as I can remember. When my older sister was old enough, she also joined in. It was a no brainer that I was going to play as soon as I was able to. My grandparents also played as well, so it’s definitely a family sport that is in my blood.
What you are most proud of in your dart achievements so far?
Definitely has to be winning the Shot New Zealand Masters earlier in 2021 - it was my first senior ranking title. It was an incredible feeling to win a tournament and have my family and friends cheering me on.
This would be closely followed by playing alongside my sister against Australia in the 2019 New Zealand Youth team with Erik Pu and Josh Walters.
Do you have any special traditions when you are playing?
I do have lucky dinosaur socks from Japan that I wear. Which, I swear, make me play better. Also, if possible, a 20-minute power nap between section play and knockout works too!
How often do you practice?
I try to play in league nights 2-3 times a week, but with COVID it has been tough. I’ve been lucky enough to work from home for the last six or so months, so I have been able to dedicate my lunch breaks and the time I would have spent commuting to more time on the board.
How do you practice, what games?
I like to mix my practices up a lot so that I don’t get bored. Some of my favourite things to do are play games against family and friends, play 121, doubles football, and try to finish 170 in 6 darts or less.
Do you have any rivals?
My biggest rival would be my sister – we have always been each other’s biggest supporter and of course being so close in age, also each other’s biggest rival. We bring out the best in each other and always have cracking games.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration and role model has always been the GOAT Phil Taylor – the dominance he had in the game for decades was incredible to watch. Another would be my parents – they have been instrumental to my success and I wouldn’t be half the person or darts player I am without them!
Do you have any advice for other young people who might be interested in giving darts a go?
Get involved and give it a go! There are some amazing opportunities for youth in darts, such as the JDC who are doing an incredible job to strengthen junior darts in New Zealand. My favourite thing about darts is that anyone can be great, no matter how young or old. Even if you have to stop for a few years, darts will always be there ready whenever you are.
What would be your greatest goals for your dart career?
I would love to make it over to play in the Lakeside World Championships. My long-term goal would be getting the opportunity to play in the PDC Women’s Series with the likes of Lisa Ashton, Deta Hedman, and Fallon Sherrock.
You can Nicole’s dart journey on Facebook