Wales international shelves retirement plans to sign for Scarlets

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Ball, 33, is a cult hero in Llanelli after spending nine unforgettable years in West Wales between 2012 and 2021. The hulking second-row made 133 appearances for the region, helping them lift the Guinness PRO12 trophy in 2017 and charge to the Champions Cup semi-finals a year later.

The bearded enforcer left Scarlets in 2021 to return to Australia for family reasons before joining Japanese outfit NEC Green Rockets. After three seasons in the Top League, Ball announced his retirement – but the itch to play never left him.

“I can’t wait to get back in and get started again,” said Ball. “When I left, it was during Covid and didn’t feel like the send-off I wanted. Since finishing in Japan, I’ve had this nagging feeling of unfinished business.”

Ball revealed that conversations with Dwayne Peel and James Davies played a key part in his decision to lace the boots up again.

“I’m feeling better physically than when I left, and that fire to play at the top level is still there,” he added. “I’ve missed the professionalism, the buzz of training and match days – and I can’t wait to help this exciting young squad push on.”

Jake Ball’s return is not just a boost for the team – it’s a major win for supporters. The lock remains a beloved figure among fans and his experience will be invaluable as the Scarlets look to bounce back in style.