Second-row Jake Ball will quit international rugby in order to be with his family in Australia at the end of the season.
Scarlets confirmed his scheduled departure on Tuesday afternoon and the news will come as a real blow to Wales boss Wayne Pivac.
Ball’s wife, Christie, gave birth to their fourth child in Australia back in November.
“It has been a difficult decision to make but one I have made for the family,” revealed the 29-year-old.
“Max was born last month. There have been Zoom calls and things, but I haven’t seen him yet and it has been difficult.
“I have four kids now and I won’t have seen them for close on a year.”
EDITORS PICKS:
- All Black legend Dan Carter ranks his five toughest opponents
- The current 36-man Lions squad, according to the bookies
- Piers Morgan picks his all-time greatest rugby XV
- Every Premiership club’s best player out of contract in 2021
“It has been a fantastic nine seasons I have been here. I love the Scarlets and playing with Wales has been unbelievable and something I will never forget.
“It has been a massive honour to represent my country, but at the end of the day I made a huge sacrifice in staying behind for a year without my family.”
The post The heartbreaking reason Jake Ball just quit Wales appeared first on Ruck.
