Scarlets and Wales lock announces retirement from rugby

The 34-year-old second row bows out after making 148 appearances for the Llanelli-based region across two spells, with injuries and growing business commitments ultimately convincing him the time was right to step away from the game.

“It feels like the right time. I’ve had a few head knocks, a couple of injuries. I think my body is telling me something,” said Ball.

“I am glad I came back and gave it another go at the Scarlets. I’ve enjoyed being back in the environment and being a professional rugby player again and to be able to retire here, at the club where it all really started for me, makes it that much more special.

“My wife Christie and kids left through Covid, they never really had a chance to say goodbye. My kids have loved coming here to Parc y Scarlets and watching their dad play, they are desperate to come to games and have started playing themselves. For them to have been able to see me play and remember that is something I will treasure.”

Born in Ascot before moving to Australia as a youngster, Ball arrived in West Wales in 2012 from Super Rugby outfit Western Force as a relatively unknown figure. He initially cut his teeth with Llanelli RFC before making his Scarlets debut against Connacht in Galway.

From there, Ball quickly established himself as one of the most uncompromising locks in Welsh rugby. His abrasive carrying, relentless work rate and physical edge made him a cornerstone of the Scarlets pack during one of the club’s most successful modern eras.

He became a key figure in the side that stormed to the Guinness Pro12 title in 2017, before helping Scarlets reach another final and a memorable Champions Cup semi-final campaign the following year.

His performances in Llanelli also earned international recognition, making his Wales debut in 2014 before going on to represent the national side 50 times. Ball featured in a Grand Slam-winning squad and appeared at two Rugby World Cups during his Test career.

In 2020, during the height of the Covid pandemic, Ball returned to Australia to be closer to family, ending an initial nine-year spell with the Scarlets. Following time in Japan and a brief retirement from rugby, he made a surprise comeback ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, returning to the club where his professional journey began.

Although a hand injury prevented him from reaching the milestone of 150 Scarlets appearances, Ball still featured 14 times this season and will say an emotional farewell to supporters ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Dragons.

“The supporters here are an awesome bunch, their passion for the team is incredible and they have been amazing to me and my family,” he added. “One game that stands out was in the Heineken Cup game against Harlequins at The Stoop when one of the fans ran onto the field after we won and started jumping all over me!

“There have been some incredible highs, the lead-up to winning the championship in 2017, Europe the following year - that was a special time with a special group of players. I will always remember the friendships, the people who have made my time here so memorable. I can’t thank them enough.”

Ball will now turn his full attention to his supplement company, Veritroo, which he says has become an increasing focus away from rugby.

“It has been four years in the making and It’s something I am extremely passionate about,” he said. “The company is going well, so I’ll be going back to Australia and running that full time. It is starting to take up a lot more of my time, it is exciting.

“Being back in Wales has allowed me to spend a lot more time with my family. I spent 10 months here on my own after Christie and the kids had flown back to Australia and then eight months in Japan when I wasn’t allowed to leave.

“Everyone has loved being back here, the boys are loving their rugby and they are big lads - who knows, if they are any good, they might be coming back! It is going to be sad to leave, I have spent half my life playing rugby. But it is exciting to see the young talent coming through and I’ll be keeping a close eye on the club’s progress.

“Scarlets gave me the opportunity, it is where it all started and I will forever be thankful to the club for that.”