Jake Ball ready for "biggest grudge match" in Six Nations opener

Jake Ball has insisted that he is ready to establish himself as the new enforcer in Warren Gatland's Wales side ahead of next week's Six Nations showdown with England.

The 23-year-old was born in England and raised in Australia, but he opted to represent the Red Dragons due to his Welsh father.

Having now nailed down his loyalties, Ball is hoping to help his national side overcome England in "the biggest grudge match" in world rugby in five days' time.

"England is the biggest grudge match," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. "The history is there and everyone wants you to get stuck into them.

"Rugby is a religion here and, if you ask me what nationality I am, I would say 100 per cent Welsh. Obviously I was born in England, but my father was brought up here and we always watched Wales on TV. Me and my missus have made a home here in Wales.

"We've got a little one - Amelia-Marie, who's Welsh as well - a dog, and we're happy. I've made a decision to represent Wales and I consider myself Welsh now."

Scarlets forward Ball started Wales's Tests against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium last November.