Rugby world stunned as Jake Ball eyes emotional Scarlets return

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The Scarlets are reportedly aiming to bring back former lock Jake Ball, who had been expected to retire from rugby at the end of this season. The 33-year-old, who became a beloved figure in west Wales and a key player for the national team, is currently in discussions about a potential return.

After leaving Wales in 2021, Ball spent several years playing for Japan’s NEC Green Rockets before departing to return to Australia for family reasons.Ball originally moved from Australia to Wales at 21, going on to play 133 games for the Scarlets and earning around fifty international caps.

In November last year, he announced plans to retire at the season’s end to focus on family and his supplement company, Veritroo. However, he left Japan before the season concluded, with NEC Green Rockets confirming his departure in late December, citing family reasons.

Despite his retirement announcement, Ball hinted at a comeback earlier this month on X, formerly Twitter, sharing a photo of new Adidas boots with the caption: “This isn’t just about boots.

It’s about chapters. Poll below.” The poll asked fans whether to “Close this chapter” or “Write one more,” suggesting he might be ready for another stint in rugby. While a deal with the Scarlets is not finalized and other second row options are being considered, Ball’s return could still be on the horizon, especially as the Scarlets prepare for lock Alex Craig’s departure to Glasgow.

Should Ball rejoin the Scarlets, he will look noticeably different from his previous playing days. Over recent years, he has transformed his body and lifestyle, eliminating processed foods and focusing on a diet rich in real food. Reflecting on his progress, Ball told WalesOnline in December, “Physically, I’m in a great place.

I used to be quite bad, I thought I was eating healthily at the time but I still used to eat a lot of highly processed food. Looking back at pictures, as well. I look back at quite a lot of pictures of me and I’m quite swollen in the face and carrying quite a lot of fluid and stuff like that.”