Jake Ball makes retirement U-turn and rejoins Scarlets

Former Wales international Jake Ball will come out of retirement after agreeing to rejoin the Scarlets for next season.

The 33-year-old lock initially called time on his career following a spell with Japanese side NEC Green Rockets that ended in December 2024.

But he will now head back to Llanelli, where he was a Scarlets regular between 2012 and 2021 before returning to join his family in Australia.

Grand Slam

Ball won 50 caps during a Test career that peaked in 2019, when he helped Wales win a Six Nations Grand Slam and reach the World Cup semi-finals.

“I can’t wait to get back in and get started again,” Ball said in a statement released by the Scarlets.

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

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel added: “We all know the qualities he possesses as a player and as a leader. His professionalism and work-rate 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.”