Jake Ball says he's yet to have any contact from Wales over a possible recall ahead of this year's World Cup.
The former Scarlets second-row has been plying his trade in Japan since 2021, with his move to Japan Rugby League One outfit Green Rockets Tokatsu effectively ending his Test career via the 60-cap rule.
However, since then, the tumultuous world of Welsh rugby has endured more than a few crises - with one of the most recent resulting in the 60-cap rule being reduced to just 25.
READ MORE: Wales' murky 25-cap rule, a WRU probe and how it could blow apart Gatland's World Cup plans
That change suddenly sees the tough as teak Ball, who won 50 caps for Wales, available once again - just months out from the World Cup in France. However, the 31-year-old is yet to hear anything from Warren Gatland.
"No, I've had no contact so far," he said. "I'm just concentrating on being here and playing for Green Rockets at the moment.
"If that was to happen, that's a conversation that would need to happen. But I've had no contact so far."
There's no guarantee that call will come, but second-row has been a bit of a struggle at times. Stand-out lock Will Rowlands is two caps short of the 25 caps required, meaning his involvement in the tournament is in doubt.
Despite some young talent coming through and Alun Wyn Jones looking like he has enough in the tank for a fifth World Cup, the temptation for Gatland in bringing back trusted second-rows like Ball or Cory Hill could be too much for the Wales coach.
But, from Ball's point of view, there's no unfinished business when it comes to his Test career.
"Look, I'm really happy and I've been lucky to play international rugby," he added. "I feel I've been able to achieve a few things there.
"I'm happy with the way I left. The intention was never to come back and play for Wales when I left.
"I had to make peace with the 60-cap rule in place and the fact I may never play for Wales again. In terms of that, I've made peace with it and I enjoy playing out here in Japan.
"Hopefully I stay out here for a few more years."
It's certainly a part of the world he's come to enjoy since moving. He describes it as a "freshen up" after years in Wales, while the amount of time he gets to spend with family is certainly a boost.
Prior to leaving the Scarlets, the Covid-19 pandemic meant that he didn't see his fourth child, Max, until he was six months old. The ability to be closer to wife Christie and his children in Australia cannot be overstated.
"It's been great," he said. "The way their season is structured here, I get four months in the off-season back in Australia with my family.
"You tend to play four weeks and then you get a down week. In that down week, I'll fly back to Perth and see my family and then come back again.
"They're actually over here at the moment during school holidays so it's worked out well."
One of the other positives about being in Japan has been the relative lack of turbulence compared to the day-to-day dealings of rugby in Wales.
Ball still keeps an eye on matters and talks to a fair few of his former team-mates, describing the current situation as a "shame".
Such is the possible exodus of Welsh talent with shrinking budgets, Ball has been sounded out by a strong number of Welsh players considering a move to Japan.
"Yeah, I've had a lot actually," he said, at which point on the zoom call former England No. 8 and current Ricoh Black Rams player Nathan Hughes jokingly questioned whether Rhys Webb was one of those.
"I'm not naming any names," replied Ball. "It's difficult when players are uncertain with their futures and are being told their salaries are being cut by a lot. It's a difficult situation to be in. It's a tough time over there at the moment.
"I'm fairly friendly with Ken Owens, so I messaged him a couple of times (around the strike action). It's something that probably needed to happen with Welsh rugby.
"There's been issues that have been there for a little while. Maybe out of this, something good can come of it. That'll be the hope, that there's a long-term solution for Welsh rugby."
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