Wales and Scarlets lock Jake Ball has officially announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 34, ending a remarkable career that spanned over a decade. Currently sidelined due to injury, Ball has played 50 times for Wales and made 148 appearances for Scarlets across two tenures.

Citing injuries and future business commitments, Ball confirmed he will step away from the game at the end of the current season. He initially planned to conclude his career with the NEC Green Rockets in Japan but returned to Scarlets in the summer of 2025, where he has appeared 13 times this season.

Unfortunately, Ball will miss the final United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Dragons on Saturday at Parc y Scarlets due to a hand injury. He plans to be in Llanelli with his wife, Christie, and their children to bid farewell to the home supporters.

Reflecting on his career, Ball stated, "It feels like the right time, I've had a few head knocks, a couple of injuries." Born in Ascot and raised in Australia, he joined Scarlets in 2012 from Western Force and was part of the squad that achieved notable success, including winning the Pro12 league title in 2017 and reaching the European Champions Cup semi-final the following year.

Ball's contributions to Welsh rugby are significant, having made his Wales debut in 2014 and being part of the Grand Slam-winning side in 2019. He also played in the World Cup semi-final that same year and his last Test was a victory against Italy in March 2021.

He joins fellow Grand Slam winners Liam Williams, George North, and Leigh Halfpenny in announcing retirement, leaving a legacy of passion and dedication to the sport.