Wales international Jake Ball signed by Japanese club Green Rockets Tokatsu

Wales international Jake Ball becomes the latest player to head to Japan after signed by NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu.

The news follows after Cory Hill also will be heading overseas as Yokohama Canon Eagles confirmed the signing of the 29-year-old.

Ball started his professional rugby career with Western Force in 2012 but made a switch to provincial side Llanelli RFC ahead of the 2012/13 season during which he made his debut for Scarlets.

With over 100 appearances for the Welsh club, the 30-year-old made an exit from the side at the end of the last season heading to Australia joining his family.

Having made 50 international appearances for Wales between 2014 and 2021 including seven games in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup games, Ball will now be ineligible to represent his national under the 60-cap rule implemented by the Welsh Rugby Union.

“I’m very excited to join the NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu," he told.

“It will be great to meet my team-mates, coaches and the fans. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of the NEC family and succeeding this season.”