Jake Ball has re-signed for former club side Scarlets, having previously announced his decision to retire from rugby.

The Australian-born lock won 50 caps for Wales during his previous nine-year spell at Scarlets, before leaving in 2021 to sign for Japanese side NEC Green Rockets.

Ball made 133 appearances for the west Walian region between 2012 and 2021, winning the Pro12 title in 2017 and reaching the Champions Cup semi-final the following year.

Having decided to retire from rugby at the end of last season, Ball’s signing for Scarlets is a surprising one, but he is raring to go.

“I can’t wait to get back in and get started again,” said Ball.

“When I left the Scarlets, it was around Covid and it didn’t feel like the farewell I wanted. Then, since I finished in Japan and announced my retirement from rugby, I have had this feeling of unfinished business.

“When I heard the Scarlets were looking for a second row, I spoke to Peely and Cubby and they spoke about what is building at the club, the exciting young talent coming through, the environment and ambition there and I wanted to be part of that.

“I have missed playing, I have missed the professionalism of the game. Obviously, myself and my family know the Scarlets well, know the area and we loved it during our time there – the place, the people.”

‘The ambition still burns bright’

“I am excited by the challenge of being a professional rugby player again, the training, the match-days – as I said, I have missed it,” Ball added.

“I hope I can add my experience and help the younger players in the squad and learn a few things from them as well.

“Scarlets are a great club, who gave me my chance when I came over to Welsh rugby, they had faith in me when I first came over and that means a huge amount to me.

“Physically, I feel in a better place than when I left and the ambition to play at the top level still burns bright.”

‘Big fans favourite’

The return of Ball to Parc y Scarlets is a welcome and necessary addition to the Scarlets squad, who are losing Alex Craig, who is signing for Glasgow Warriors at the end of the season.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jake back to the Scarlets,” Peel added

“He was a popular member of the club and a big fans’ favourite, someone who played more than a century of games for the Scarlets and had a big part to play in the title-winning season.

“We all know the qualities he possesses as a player and as a leader. His professionalism and workrate will be an example to the young group of players we have coming through.

“From the conversations I have had with Jake, it is clear he feels he has plenty more to offer. He has been keeping himself in great condition since returning from Japan and we can’t wait to see him back here for the start of the pre-season.”

 

Ball joins Wales international Joe Hawkins in signing for Scarlets ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The club also announced recently that academy graduate and Wales international prop Kemsley Mathias had signed a new deal with Scarlets.

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