LONDON - Lock Jake Ball has become the sixth player to sign a national dual contract with the Welsh Rugby Union and his regional team, Scarlets.
Wales lock Jake Ball (C) pictured during the Six Nations match against France at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, south Wales, on February 21, 2014
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 aAgreement between the WRU and Wales' four professional regions - Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons.
They are 60 per cent funded by the WRU and 40 per cent by regions from a total 3.3 million-pound ($5.09 million, 4.23 million euros) pot.
"I am delighted to have signed a national dual contract and to be staying in Wales," Ball said.
"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."