Ex-Rockets lock Jake Ball re-joins the Scarlets

Former NEC Green Rockets lock Jake Ball has completed his retirement u-turn by signing a deal to return to Welsh URC outfit Scarlets for the 2025-26 season.

Ascot-born Ball, who turns 34 in June, announced in November that would he hanging up his boots at the end of the current campaign with Wayne Pivac’s division two side.  

Ball in action for the Rockets in the promotion/relegation play-off v Black Rams in 2024

In December the 50-cap Wales international left Japan to return to Australia due to family reasons.  

Ball, whose family migrated to Australia when he was 16, recently posted a poll on social media asking his followers whether he should return for one more season.

Dwayne Peel’s Scarlets confirmed the fan favourite’s return on Tuesday with the former Western Force youth product set to arrive back in Wales in the summer.

Ball made 32 appearances for the Chiba-based Rockets and last played in a pre-season match in November.

URC play-off contenders Scarlets shocked leaders and Champions Cup semi-finalists Leinster on Saturday and their squad includes ex-Yokohama Canon Eagles second-row Max Douglas and former All Black Vaea Fifta along with a crop of fast-rising Welsh starlets such as Blair Murray, Eddie James and Ellis Mee.

The 6ft 6in (1.99 m), 19-stone (121 kg) colossus is looking forward to returning to Parc Y Scarlets where he was key figure from 2012 to 2021 as he made 133 appearances and was part of the squad which won the Guinness PRO12 title in 2017.

“I can’t wait to get back in and get started again,” said Ball who founded his own supplement brand, Veritroo, with his wife Christie in November.  

“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 chatted 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.

“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.

“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.”

Head coach Dwayne Peel, a former Scarlets and Wales teammate of their latest signing, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Jake back to the Scarlets.

“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.” 

Picture courtesy of JRLO