Newport Gwent Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of Colin Charvis on a one-year deal.
The 84 capped Welsh International who can play anywhere in the back row joins from Guinness Premiership side Newcastle Falcons and is a tremendous acquisition for The Dragons. With Michael Owen ruled out for the opening few months of the season with a shoulder injury The Dragons recognised the need to bring in a world-class player who would fill the void Owen would leave and Charvis filled all the criteria.
Charvis has vast experience at international level and last season captained Newcastle before that he was with French club Tarbes. He joined Swansea in 1995, and played a key role in helping them claim the Welsh league title in 1998 and 2001, as well as the Welsh Cup in 1999.
Charvis is the 11th Welsh International at The Dragons and will link up with current Welsh teammates Ian Gough, Luke Charteris, Rhys Thomas, Nathan Brew, Jamie Ringer, Ceri Sweeney; Dragons captain Kevin Morgan and Gareth Cooper. He is also the third British Lion at the region.
Having secured the signature of one of rugby's leading forwards, Coach Paul Turner said, "It was important that we secured the signing of a world class forward and Colin fits that description. He is a big, strong forward and is a huge boost for the region. He is a proven leader and has a vast amount of experience. It's a huge statement of intent and ambition. I've been talking to Colin over the last two months and I was impressed with his ambition both at regional and international level."
The signing of Charvis is a big coup for the region and is fantastic news ahead of the Dragons Family Fun Day on Sunday. Supporters are guaranteed to see Charvis in action only by purchasing a season ticket, for one day only on Sunday the early bird discount prices will apply and tickets are available from the Rodney Parade ticket office.
Charvis was born in England's West Midlands and started his career with London Welsh, where he won Wales Under-21 and Students honours. He captained Wales in the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia and also featured in the 1999 World Cup. He is the leading try scorer among all Welsh forwards with 20.
In 2001 Charvis toured with the British and Irish Lions to Australia, where he benched in the first and last Tests, making five appearances and scoring three tries in total on the trip.
Biog Details
DOB – 27/12/72
Height – 6ft 2
Weight – 234lbs
Caps – 84
Points – 100 (20 tries)
Debut – 1/12/96 v Australia
