Ball joins Jones on National Dual Contract

Scarlets are delighted to announce that Jake Ball has committed his future to Wales and the region having emerged as a prominent force in the second row since joining the region back in 2012.

With captain Ken Owens, fearless fullback Liam Williams and young emerging prop Rhodri Jones already agreeing new deals to stay at Parc y Scarlets Ball is the latest in a strong group of the region's international players to commit their futures to the Scarlets and West Wales.

The 23-year-old, who has made over half a century of appearances for the region made his Wales debut in the 2014 RBS 6 Nations and will be in action for the Scarlets this Saturday.

Ball, who also became a father for the first time over the festive period, said he is delighted to have signed a NDC: "I'm delighted to have signed a National Dual Contract and to be staying in Wales. The NDC was a big factor in my decision as I get to work hand in hand with the management at the Welsh Rugby Union as well as the Scarlets.

"It's been a fantastic year for me, I'm still taking everything step by step and want to perform as well as I can for the Scarlets to put my hand up for selection for the Six Nations."

Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac said: "2014 has been a great year for Jake and we're excited to see his continued development here at the Scarlets. It's pleasing to see another of our international players committing to both the region and Welsh rugby."

Ball is the sixth player to sign a National Dual Contract and joins fellow Scarlet Rhodri Jones along with Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Hallam Amos and Tyler Morgan.