Ball still has 'heaps' to offer Scarlets and Wales

Jake Ball was part Wales' Grand Slam-winning side in 2019 and a World Cup semi-finalist that same year

Wales lock Jake Ball says he still has "heaps" to offer after reversing his decision to quit international rugby.

The 50-cappped international re-joined Scarlets this summer after announcing he would finish his playing career at the end of the Japanese season with NEC Green Rockets.

"It's been a crazy time really, I came out and said I was retiring and off the back of that I had a few people reaching out saying 'is that the right move?' he said.

"I left Japan early due to family reasons so I didn't see out my rugby the way I had envisaged, then the opportunity came to come back and play here which was great.

"It was like it was meant to be."

Ball left Wales in an "awkward rush" amid the Covid-19 pandemic, but wanted to return for some "unfinished business".

Now 34, he says "age is just a number" and thanks to time spent focusing on nutrition, he is raring to go before the new United Rugby Championship (URC) season which begins this weekend.

"My plan of going to Japan was never to take it easy, I've always trained hard," he said.

"I think I've probably trained harder through some of my off-seasons than some people would train in their seasons.

"A bit part for me was being able to show what work I've put in and play some good quality rugby."

Jake Ball featured in Scarlets' pre-season friendly defeat to Dragons

Ball made 133 appearances for Scarlets over nine seasons before leaving in 2021.

"The opportunity to come back and play where I started my career for me was a big part as well," he said.

"The club gave me everything really, when I look back. It gave me my shot to play and earned me international honours, so to be able to come back and be able to deliver some performances to sort of say thank you as well."

Ball continues to harbour international ambitions and has been impressed with Wales' new coaching set-up.

"I never officially retired. I think if you play well for club, then potentially those things come around," he said.

"I'm just concentrating on Scarlets and if someone does give me a call then that's a conversation to be had.

"Steve [Tandy] was down here the other day, obviously I know Danny Wilson, he coached me when he was first down here.

"I think they're building a positive thing, it looks quite exciting, a good coaching group so hopefully they can get some good results."

Ball spent lengthy periods away from his family during his time in Japan and missed the birth of his fourth child, who he did not meet until he was six months old.

But they are now all back together living in Wales, with his two older boys enjoying some rugby of their own.

"They are almost 5 and 7 now, they came out and watched me play once in Japan, but they weren't of an age where they can remember anything, now they both play," he said.

"Dare I say it, they're at Loughor, and they're loving it."

They will likely be in the crowd on Saturday when Ball and his Scarlets team-mates kick off their URC campaign at home against Munster.