Ex-Wales international Jake Ball will miss the start of the new season after the NEC Green Rockets standout sustained a shoulder injury.
Ball, 32, who won 50 caps for Wales, joined the Green Rockets in 2021 from the Scarlets and remains a key player going into the 2023-2024 season.
“I picked up a grade 3 AC joint injury that will put me out for the opening couple of games, I’m gutted about it but that’s rugby,” 2019 Grand Slam winner Ball told RugbyJP.com.
Ball has been reunited with his former club and national team boss Wayne Pivac who is tasked with steering his new side back into Division One in his first role since leaving his Wales national team head coach post in 2022.
All eyes will be on utility back and club captain Lomano Lemeki, 34, who shone for Japan at the Rugby World Cup in France after being a surprise call-up.
New Zealand-born Lemeki (above - centre) is optimistic about the Green Rockets’ fortunes this season and believes the club can bounce back after their relegation from the top tier.
“I’m looking forward to opening game of the season, it’ll be good to see where we are at strength wise and depth wise,” Lemeki told RugbyJP.com.
“We have a small squad but we have some good coaches who have taken over this season so it’s exciting.
“The five pre-season games have been good and we look a far better team than this time last year. Regardless of the outcome this coming week we just have to keep building on each of the games and make sure we are peaking at the end of the season for the promotion/relegation matches.”
The NEC Green Rockets host neighbours Urayasu D-Rocks in their opening game on Saturday 9 December at Kashiwanoha Stadium in Chiba.
Pictures courtesy of NEC Green Rockets
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