Jake Ball (rugby union)
Jake Ball (born 21 June 1991 in Ascot, England)[1] is a Wales international rugby union player. He currently plays as a lock forward for the Scarlets.
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| Date of birth | 21 June 1991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Place of birth | Ascot, Berkshire, England | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 121 kg (19 st 1 lb; 267 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Career
Ball was born in England and migrated to Australia with his parents when he was 17. A rising star in Australia, he was spotted by Welsh regional team the Scarlets, who signed him on a three-year deal in 2012 at the age of 21.[2] He made his professional debut for the team on 15 September 2012, coming on as a 61st-minute replacement in the team's victory over Connacht in the Pro 12 tournament.[3]
International
Despite being born in England, Ball is eligible to play for the Wales national team due to his father being from Pwllheli.[4] In January 2014, he was called up to the Wales squad for the 2014 Six Nations Championship.[5] He made his international debut for Wales against Ireland on 8 February 2014 as a second-half replacement. His first test start came in a 27–6 victory over France two weeks later.
Notes
- "Jake Ball". espnscrum.com. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
- "The Scarlets agree three-year deal for lock Jake Ball". bbc.co.uk. 17 August 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
- "Pro12: Connacht 11-24 Scarlets". bbc.co.uk. 15 September 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
- Morgan, Lowri (reporter); Howells, Chris (assistant producer) (24 March 2014). Scrum V Sunday (Television production). Cardiff: BBC Wales. Event occurs at 19:05. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
In 2012, the Scarlets were tipped off about him, and made aware that Jake's father – a former London Welsh player – was originally from Pwllheli.
- Wales squad update