'My kids will be able to remember me playing now'

IN WELSH rugby, few secrets - if any - are rarely kept that well.

- BEN JAMES Reporter

Last week provided another example, with Jake Ball's return to the Scarlets having been essentially known by all and sundry before any official announcement.

Having announced his intention to hang up his boots back in November after a spell in Japan, Ball had retrieved his footwear earlier this month from the shelf - long before any dust had gathered - and posted a picture of the white Adidas numbers that hinted perhaps there was another chapter left to write.

From there, it was just a matter of time before the 50-cap Wales second-row was making his return to these shores, with the Scarlets confirming on Tuesday that he would be back in Llanelli ahead of next season.

Given his original plan to retire from rugby and the fact he's spent the last four years with NEC Green Rockets in Japan, the move has, amongst the obvious delight in his return from Scarlets' supporters, raised the odd eyebrow.

Ball is all too aware of that. He's seen some of the comments about the fact he's getting on a bit.

"I'm still only 33," he says, noting that the "massive step off" between Japan and Europe can be exaggerated a bit.

"I suppose one of the benefits of playing in Japan is you probably don't play as much as if you were in Europe. I can see myself playing for a little while longer.

"I think it's one of those situations where we take it season by season and see how we go."

If that doesn't allay your fears, then worry not, because Ball's plans for the coming weeks might sway your opinion.

Currently on holiday as he takes the call from us, there's no suggestion the lock is taking it easy before the hard work begins.

Instead, Ball who admits he's always been "very professional" in his approach up is up at 5am each day to crack on with training.

"Weight-wise, I'm at a similar weight to what I was before I left Wales," he adds.