BALL'S BOUNCING BACK TO SCARLETS

FORMER Wales lock Jake Ball has made a sensational return to the Scarlets months after announcing his retirement from the game.

- STEFFAN THOMAS

The 33-year-old spent nine seasons at the Scarlets, making 133 appearances and playing a crucial role in the PRO12 title-winning campaign of 2016-17.

Ball also made his mark on the international circuit, winning 50 caps for Wales with his powerful carrying, raw physicality and no-nonsense approach a big asset for both club and country for the best part of a decade.

Ball left the Scarlets in 2021 to return home to Australia before later signing for Japanese outfit NEC Green Rockets.

Despite being a long time retired, Ball has decided his professional rugby career is not over yet by signing a contract at the Scarlets to replace Scotland international Alex Craig, who is joining Glasgow Warriors at the end of the season.

Upon retiring, Ball set up a supplement company in Western Australia, having completely transformed his body and lifestyle over the last few years.