Jake Ball announces retirement for the second time

Scarlets and former Wales lock Jack Ball has announced that he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old is in his second stint with the Scarlets, having joined at the beginning of the season after originally announcing his retirement following four years with Green Rockets Tokatsu in Japan.

His first spell with the Scarlets spanned almost a decade between 2012 and 2021, where he won the Pro12 in 2017 as well as 50 Wales caps, which included a Grand Slam in 2019.

Ball has cited injuries as a reason for his retirement, with a hand injury preventing him from playing the Scarlets final game of the United Rugby Championship season on Saturday against Dragons on Saturday.

The lock will return to Australia after retirement to work on his supplement business, Veritroo.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Scarlets

35 - 35

Full-time

Dragons RFC

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“It feels like the right time. I think my body is telling me something, ” Ball said.

“I am glad I came back and gave it another go at the Scarlets. I’ve enjoyed being back in the environment and being a professional rugby player again and to be able to retire here, at the club where it all really started for me, makes it that much more special.

“My wife Christie and kids left through Covid, they never really had a chance to say goodbye. My kids have loved coming here to Parc y Scarlets and watching their dad play, they are desperate to come to games and have started playing themselves. For them to have been able to see me play and remember that is something I will treasure.

“The supporters here are an awesome bunch, their passion for the team is incredible and they have been amazing to me and my family.

“One game that stands out was in the Heineken Cup game against Harlequins at The Stoop when one of the fans ran onto the field after we won and started jumping all over me!

“There have been some incredible highs, the lead-up to winning the championship in 2017, Europe the following year – that was a special time with a special group of players. I will always remember the friendships, the people who have made my time here so memorable. I can’t thank them enough.”