The popular 50-cap Wales international spent nine memorable years in West Wales and is now set to don the Scarlets jersey again to help fill the void left by the departing Alex Craig, who is joining Glasgow next season.
The 33-year-old second row made 133 appearances between 2012 and 2021 and was a member of the squad that won the Guinness PRO12 title in 2017 and reached the Champions Cup semi-finals the following year.
Ball bid his farewell to the Scarlets in 2021 to return to his family in Australia and later signed for Japanese side NEC Green Rockets, where he has spent three seasons before hanging up his boots at the end of last season.
A change of heart has led to Ball dusting them off once again for another season, a move that also sees the second-row available for selection for Wales.
Speaking on his move Ball said:
“I can’t wait to get back in and get started again. When I left the Scarlets, it was around Covid and it didn’t feel like the farewell I wanted.
“Since I finished in Japan and announced my retirement from rugby, I have had this feeling of unfinished business.
“When I heard the Scarlets were looking for a second row, I spoke to Peely and Cubby and they spoke about what is building at the club, the exciting young talent coming through, the environment and ambition there and I wanted to be part of that.
“I have missed playing, I have missed the professionalism of the game. Obviously, myself and my family know the Scarlets well, know the area and we loved it during our time there – the place, the people.
“I am excited by the challenge of being a professional rugby player again, the training, the match-days – as I said, I have missed it.
“I hope I can add my experience and help the younger players in the squad and learn a few things from them as well.
“Scarlets are a great club, who gave me my chance when I came over to Welsh rugby, they had faith in me when I first came over and that means a huge amount to me.
“Physically, I feel in a better place than when I left and the ambition to play at the top level still burns bright.”
Delighted head coach Dwayne Peel added:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jake back to the Scarlets.
“He was a popular member of the club and a big fans’ favourite, someone who played more than a century of games for the Scarlets and had a big part to play in the title-winning season.
“We all know the qualities he possesses as a player and as a leader. His professionalism and workrate will be an example to the young group of players we have coming through.
“From the conversations I have had with Jake, it is clear he feels he has plenty more to offer. He has been keeping himself in great condition since returning from Japan and we can’t wait to see him back here for the start of the pre-season.”
Ball is the Scarlets second new signing for the 2025-26 campaign, following the swoop for Joe Hawkins last month from Exeter Chiefs.
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
