Jake Ball rejoined the Scarlets wanting to say thank you to the club that gave him everything – and he is certainly doing just that.
Jake was a virtual unknown when he first arrived from Australia in 2012, but over the next nine years he was to become one of the most recognisable figures in Welsh rugby.
The big man with the big beard established himself as a key figure in the Scarlets’ second row, helping them win the league title in 2017 and reach the final once again the following year.
There was also the little matter of 50 caps for Wales, as he shared in the 2019 Grand Slam and figured in two World Cups. Although he was born in Ascot, England, and moved to Australia as a teenager, he was eligible through his north Walian father and wore the three feathers with pride and distinction.
After making more than 130 appearances in the Scarlets’ second row, Ball moved back to Australia in 2021 and had a spell with Green Rockets Tokatsu in Japan.
Just over 12 months ago, he announced he was going to hang up his boots at the end of the season, but it proved to be a very short retirement as he rejoined the Scarlets over the summer.
He has been making an increasing impact since his return, producing arguably his best display of the campaign in last Friday’s 21-17 BKT URC victory over Cardiff Rugby at the Arms Park where he spearheaded a heroic defensive effort, ending up as one of the game’s top tacklers with 19.
“Jake showed against Cardiff what he can do; good in the line-outs, good around the park, he put in a big shift,” said Scarlets forwards coach Albert van den Berg.
“He is in great shape, he puts the hard work in during the week and he has that experience which is valuable for any side.”
Jake will now be looking to make his physical presence felt in another festive Welsh derby, with the Ospreys the visitors to Llanelli on Boxing Day for a fixture that always sets the pulses racing.
It’s been some journey for the 34-year-old, as he readily acknowledges.
“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?’
“I left Japan early due to family reasons, so I didn’t see out my rugby the way I envisaged. Then an opportunity came up to come back and play here which was great. It’s almost like it was meant to be.
“It’s been awesome and I’m really enjoying it. I think the whole environment is a really positive one. It’s been the right move.”
Ball, who has now taken his Scarlets appearances up to 140, continued: “It was an opportunity to come back and play where I started my career. For me, that was a big part of it.
“The club gave me everything when I look back. They gave me my shot to play and that earnt me international honours.
“Now I want to deliver some performances to say thank you.
“I think I’ve still got a heap to offer. Age is just a number.
“I’ve always worked hard and trained hard. A big part for me is being able to show what work I put in and play some quality rugby.
“I’ll play as long as I enjoy it. For me, that’s the biggest thing. If I’m enjoying it, playing well and it’s the best thing for me and my family, then I’ll keep playing. That’s what I think it is all about.”