Latest news with #JakeBall
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Scarlets sign back row Davies from Ospreys
Scarlets have signed back row Tristan Davies from Ospreys for next 23-year-old has played 13 games since making his Ospreys debut in 2022, featuring against Scarlets on Judgement Day in April. Davies also ran out in this season's Challenge Cup matches against Lions and Montpellier."I'm really excited for the opportunity ahead. I love what's being built at the Scarlets and the direction the team is heading and believe I can bring my own style of play to the group and add to what is already a very strong outfit," Davies said. "I've always admired the Scarlets' style of play and the support at Parc y Scarlets is always top class - it's a tough place for opposition, so I'm happy to have that kind of backing on my side now."I'm also very thankful for the past few seasons at Ospreys and everything I've learned there."Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said he has been impressed with Davies' physicality and the way he has taken his opportunities when selected."He carries well, puts a big shift into defence and has a great work ethic. He will add to a strong group of back-row forwards we have at the club," said Peel. Davies becomes the Scarlets' fifth new signing for next season, joining Joe Hawkins, Jake Ball, Dane Blacker and Ioan Jones.
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Derbyshire wrap up innings win over Kent
Rothesay County Championship Division Two, County Ground, Derby (day four)Derbyshire 587-5 dec: Jewell 232, Madsen 100, Came 89, Lloyd 50, Reece 50Kent 326 & 247 (f/o): Muyeye 55, Compton 49, Stewart 49; Reece 3-21Derbyshire (23 pts) beat Kent (2 pts) by an innings and 14 runsMatch scorecard Luis Reece led Derbyshire's victory charge as they rolled over Kent before lunch on the final day of the County Championship Division Two match at all-rounder picked up two wickets to claim outstanding figures of 3-21 from 10 overs as they beat the visitors by an innings and 14 runsAfter Zak Chappell struck with the first ball of the day, Kent folded in feeble fashion, losing four wickets in eight overs, to slump to 247-9, with the injured Jake Ball unable to was Derbyshire's second win of the season, taking them above Glamorgan to second in the table, while Kent have now lost four matches in a slide to another defeat started when Tawanda Muyeye was caught behind taking on a short ball from clearly thought it had come off his shoulder but given his side were still 104 runs behind with three wickets already down, it was not a great shot for the was a straightforward catch for Brooke Guest but the wicketkeeper took a much sharper one five overs later standing up to Reece when Chris Benjamin pushed forward and edged into his hopes of at least frustrating Derbyshire now rested with Jack Leaning and Harry Finch but the pair were quickly parted with Reece celebrating a second success of the failed to get over a drive and substitute fielder Nick Potts took a good tumbling catch diving forward at deep were now all over the visitors and in the next over, Finch went to turn Anuj Dal off his legs but the ball came off his thigh pad and onto the Parkinson had resisted well as nightwatchman in the first innings but this time he lasted only seven balls before he went half forward to Jack Morley and was Stewart struck some muscular blows, pulling Pat Brown for six, but the end came 15 minutes before the interval when he sliced the fast bowler to third man where Potts pulled off a superb diving Reporters' Network supported by Rothesay
Wales Online
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
The Jake Ball interview: I'd love to play for Wales again and why I'm coming back
The Jake Ball interview: I'd love to play for Wales again and why I'm coming back The Wales second-row has put off his retirement from rugby to join the Scarlets ahead of next season Jake Ball is back in Welsh rugby (Image: Harry How - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images ) In Welsh rugby, few secrets - if any- are rarely kept that well. This week provided another example, with Jake Ball's return to the Scarlets having been essentially known by all and sundry before any official announcement. Having announced his intention to hang up his boots back in November after a spell in Japan, Ball had retrieved his footwear earlier this month from the shelf - long before any dust had gathered - and posted a picture of the white Adidas numbers that hinted perhaps there was another chapter left to write. From there, it was just a matter of time before the 50-cap Wales second-row was making his return to these shores, with the Scarlets confirming on Tuesday that he would be back in Llanelli ahead of next season. Given his original plan to retire from rugby and the fact he's spent the last four years with NEC Green Rockets in Japan, the move has, amongst the obvious delight in his return from Scarlets' supporters, raised the odd eyebrow. Ball is all too aware of that. He's seen some of the comments about the fact he's getting on a bit. "I'm still only 33," he tells WalesOnline, noting that the "massive step off" between Japan and Europe can be exaggerated a bit. "I suppose one of the benefits of playing in Japan is you probably don't play as much as if you were in Europe. I can see myself playing for a little while longer. I think it's one of those situations where we take it season by season and see how we go." Article continues below If that doesn't allay your fears, then worry not, because Ball's plans for the coming weeks might sway your opinion. Currently on holiday as he takes the call from WalesOnline, there's no suggestion the lock is taking it easy before the hard work begins. Instead, Ball - who admits he's always been "very professional" in his approach up - is up at 5am each morning to crack on with training. "Weight-wise, I'm at a similar weight to what I was before I left Wales," he adds. "I'm just not carrying as much body fat. I'm certainly a stronger athlete than I was when I left. "I arrive back in the UK in May. Once I knew I'd signed, I said I'd turn up a month early, get a mini-block of training done before pre-season so I can re-familiarise myself with the place." 25% OFF DEAL NOW: Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby Upon re-signing for the Scarlets, Ball noted there was a sense of unfinished business. Tellingly, that's not just at club level - but also with Wales as well. "I'm excited about returning to a professional environment," he says. "The Scarlets are making sure that I can get myself back involved, starting down there. "But also if it did come about, I'd love to wear the Welsh jersey again. That's something that never really left my mind to be honest. "That would be awesome if that was achievable. That would certainly be something I'd love to do again. "I said that to Peely (Dwayne Peel) and Cubby (James Davies) on the phone. I asked if that was something they'd want to see me doing. They said yes. "Obviously, I play as well as I can when I get a chance to represent the Scarlets. And if that does come about, then yes I would love to. But with that, there's a lot of things that come with that. "There's still no sign of a new head coach. Whoever comes in there might want to go with younger options. I'm fine with that. My main focus is coming back to the Scarlets and making an impact there." In truth, Ball's boots were never really hung up for that long. Having announced his intention to retire at the end of the current Japanese season back in November, he left the Green Rockets in December - seemingly bringing a fine career to an end - but quickly it became apparent the hunger remained. "I think Japan had served its time," he admits, having previously gone there during the Covid pandemic, after his wife and children had moved back to Australia. "It wasn't right for what we were doing, travelling back and forth with four kids. "I think living in Japan wasn't right. The plan was I'd finish up and retire. After a period of time, we sat down and had a chat, saying we don't need to make that move now. "It seemed silly. We can do our plans anytime. There's a shelf-life for how long I can play for. Having spoken to the family and other people, it made sense that I played while I'm in a really good place. "I had a chat with my agent about what I wanted to do. I said I'm still training like a professional athlete and I've always kept that side of things going. "I really feel like I could keep playing. I'm in a great place. The plans for what I wanted to do when I finished playing, I can push them back. That's basically what happened. "Then the Scarlets reached out and said they'd love to have me back. From there, I sat on a call with Cubby and Peely. They pitched to me what it is they saw me doing when I came in. I was really happy with it and we basically went from there." Ball admits, when he first reconsidered retiring, he didn't know that the opportunity with the Scarlets would arise. However, when they came calling, he says it made the "decision very, very easy". Another key factor is his family. When Ball originally left in 2021, crowds were largely absent from Parc y Scarlets during the pandemic, while his family were already back down under - giving the departure a strangely low-key feel. "The big thing for me is a lot of the time you don't necessarily appreciate at the time what it is you're doing," he says. "That's not just from a club point of view, but an international point of view. Until you're away from it and watching it on TV, you don't realise how crazy it is that you're a part of it. "With my kids at the age that they are now, they'll be able to remember me playing now. That was another big part. My eldest boy has been playing rugby and has been desperate to come watch me play. That'll be massive for us as a family to have those memories of them watching me play." As conversation turns to where Ball is heading back to, it's clear that, even from afar, he's been keeping up to date on a difficult few years for Welsh rugby. Having watched the majority of matches, he admits it's "been a real rollercoaster". "At times, it's been tough to watch," he adds. "But on the whole, it looks like things are coming out the other side. I always think there was going to be a period where there was tough times, but it looks like it's heading into a period of change now which will be beneficial." As for the Scarlets, he describes their current situation as "exciting", adding: "They've got a young playing group and some really good players. "To be within a score for the majority of the matches shows they're really competitive. Looking at the backline, it's very exciting. There's some big backs. There's some experience in the forward pack. I know squads are smaller now, but I see some potential with the young guys coming through." Some of those, like young lock Will Evans, have already been mentioned to Ball. Clearly, the benefits of bringing Ball back go beyond just what he does on the pitch for 80 minutes each weekend. "Speaking to Peel and Cubby, they see a benefit in players watching me go about my day, how I train and feeding that through," he explains. "You get players that are good, but the more professional side away from a training paddock - recovering, eating, what to stay away from - they see a benefit from me being there. "Maybe not even talking to them, but just being there to lead by example." Naturally, for a man who has launched a supplement company and was also studying to become a nutritionist in Australia, it's little surprise Ball is seen in those terms. The nutritionist part has been put on hold for his Llanelli homecoming, but his business, Veritroo, is going from strength to strength - with no need for that venture to be put on the back-burner. "I just couldn't get my hands on good quality micro-nutrient supplements," he says as he explains the origin of his company. "That was a big reason why we started the company, to create a cleaner brand and minimise the excipients that are used. "That's all set up in Australia. We've got people working for us, so I don't necessarily have to be on the ground. My logistics company and laboratory are based in Queensland. "We have partnerships in Australia. We've got another to hopefully announce in Japan. We ship to the UK, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Down the road, we'll be looking to expand further into the UK market and Europe as well." In a matter of months, Ball's plans for life after rugby have been pushed back. There's another chapter left to write in those sizable white Adidas boots. Article continues below Maybe, just maybe, that chapter could include a Wales recall. "That's me in a nutshell," he adds on that front. "If I'm doing something, I'm giving it 100 per cent."
Wales Online
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales international comes out of retirement as shock Welsh rugby return announced
Wales international comes out of retirement as shock Welsh rugby return announced The Scarlets have bolstered their front five with a former Wales international Jake Ball has re-joined the Scarlets (Image: © Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Former Wales lock Jake Ball has made a sensational return to the Scarlets months after announcing his retirement from the game. The 33-year-old spent nine seasons at the Scarlets, making 133 appearances and playing a crucial role in the PRO12 title-winning campaign of 2016/17. Ball also made his mark on the international circuit, winning 50 caps for Wales with his powerful carrying, raw physicality and no-nonsense approach a big asset for both club and country for the best part of a decade. Ball left the Scarlets in 2021 to return home to Australia before later signing for Japanese outfit NEC Green Rockets. But you are a long time retired and Ball has decided his professional rugby career is not over yet by signing a contract at the Scarlets to replace Scotland international Alex Craig, who is joining Glasgow Warriors at the end of the season. Upon retiring Ball set up a supplement company in Western Australia having completely transformed his body and lifestyle over the last few years. 'I can't wait to get back in and get started again,' said Ball. 25% OFF DEAL NOW: Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby Article continues below 'When I left the Scarlets, it was around Covid and it didn't feel like the farewell I wanted. Then, 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 (Dwayne Peel) and Cubby (James Davies) 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. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. '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.' Given the lack of big physical second-rows in Welsh rugby it is not inconceivable Ball might represent Wales again. 'We're thrilled to welcome Jake back to the Scarlets," said Scarlets head coach Peel. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free '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.' Article continues below
The Herald Scotland
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Josh Tongue takes five wickets as Nottinghamshire dominate Sussex
Nottinghamshire lost Ben Duckett cheaply but captain Haseeb Hameed finished unbeaten on 67 as the hosts closed on 164 for three at Trent Bridge. Jordan Clark took five for 68 as reigning champions Surrey bowled out Somerset for 283 in the final over of the day at the Oval. Tom Lammonby's 76 spearheaded the Somerset innings, while 62 from captain Lewis Gregory helped the visitors reach 250 and a first batting point. At New Road, debutant loanee Jake Ball contributed five wickets as Durham dismissed bottom club Worcestershire for 162. Henry Nicholls made 42 on his Worcestershire bow before the home side fought back by reducing Durham to 55 for four to end the day 107 runs ahead. That is that & Jake Ball has a five-for on Durham debut. 👏#ForTheNorth — Durham Cricket (@DurhamCricket) April 25, 2025 In Division Two, all-rounder Ben Green registered his maiden five-wicket haul in first-class cricket as leaders Leicestershire bowled out Gloucestershire for 252. James Bracey's unbeaten 93 helped the hosts from a perilous 88 for seven to a respectable total before Leicestershire struggled to 91 for four in reply at stumps. Opener David Lloyd made 93 from 197 balls in Derbyshire's clash with Middlesex. Lloyd shared a second-wicket stand of 156 with Harry Came (73), while captain Wayne Madsen chipped in with 49 as the home team finished on 267 for five.
