Ball joins dual contract club

Burly lock Jake Ball has become the sixth player to sign a national dual contract with the Welsh Rugby Union and his regional team, Scarlets.

Ball joins Wales captain Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Rhodri Jones, Hallam Amos and Tyler Morgan in putting pen to paper, the WRU and Welsh regions announced.

Ball, 23, has won eight caps after making his Test debut during last season's Six Nations Championship.

National dual contracts were forged as part of the agreement between the WRU and Wales' four professional regions – Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons.

They are 60 percent funded by the WRU and 40 percent by regions from a total £3.3-million (US$5.09-million, €4.23-million) pot.

"I am delighted to have signed a national dual contract and to be staying in Wales," Ball said.

"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 am 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."

Ball is the latest edition of the region's international players to commit their futures to the Scarlets and West Wales – with captain Ken Owens, fearless fullback Liam Williams and young emerging prop Rhodri Jones having already agreed new deals to stay at the club.

The 23-year-old has made 50 appearances for the club.

Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac said it was pleasing to have the big forward around, and they are excited to see his continued development here at the Scarlets.

"It is pleasing to see another of our international players committing to both the region and Wales."