Ball in talks to reverse retirement and join Scarlets

Wales lock Jake Ball is in talks to reverse his decision to retire from professional rugby and re-join Scarlets next season.

In November 2024, Ball announced he was going to finish playing at the end of the Japan season with NEC Green Rockets where he was coached by his former Scarlets and Wales coach Wayne Pivac.

NEC Green Rockets revealed in December Ball had left the club due to family reasons, with the second row returning to his family in Western Australia.

The 33-year-old began his career with Western Force in Australia before joining Scarlets where he made 133 appearances in nine seasons before leaving in 2021.

Scarlets are looking to replace Scotland lock Alex Craig who will join Glasgow next season.

Ball, who won 50 Wales caps, was part of the Grand Slam-winning side in 2019 and a World Cup semi-finalist that same year.