Scarlets Sign Super 15 Star

Second row Jake Bell joins on 3 year deal.

The Scarlets have made their 5th summer signing.

Australian-born second rower Jake Bell joins on a three-year-deal from Super 15 side Western Force.

Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterly said the signing was significant on the basis of Ball’s age and profile and that within the Scarlets set-up he could continue to develop and progress.

Easterby said:  "Jake gives us another strong option in the second row and the great thing about securing a player of his raw talent and potential at just 21, means that he can thrive, develop and progress within our systems and our set-up.  He has a great stature and power and will only improve on his already impressive form.

"We’d hope that a Welsh qualified player of his potential will thrive within our environment and we can work on specific areas with him that fit into our progression as a team and squad over the next two to three years."

The 21-year-old who also qualifies for Wales looks likely to get his chance in a pre-season warm-up against Worcester this afternoon.

"It’s also a positive that given with his Welsh roots, we’re attracting, securing and nurturing Welsh qualified talent to play within our region and by doing so, give wider opportunity and prospects in the future for our international side."

Arriving at Parc y Scarlets at the end of this week, Ball said he was very impressed with the facilities and is looking forward to working with the coaching team including new Forwards Coach Danny Wilson who successfully managed the Wales U20 team in their World Cup this summer.

Ball said: "This is a brilliant opportunity for me; to get to play and work within the Scarlets set-up which has such a big reputation for progressing and supporting up and coming players. It’s a rugby club with a rich history and heritage that everyone recognises the world over.

"Having been round Parc y Scarlets now, I’m very impressed with the facilities, i’m looking forward to getting into training and hopefully getting some great opportunities in the league and to play in Europe – it’s an exciting time for me and I’m eager to get going.”

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