End in sight for Charvis

10:19am Thursday 15th May 2008

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THE omission of Colin Charvis from Wales' touring party for South Africa has made it even more likely that the Newport Gwent Dragons captain will announce his rugby playing retirement within days.

It is believed that Charvis, who has enjoyed two great seasons with the Dragons, was holding on to see whether he would make the Wales tour, especially with Martyn Williams, Robin Sowden-Taylor and Ben Lewis all injured.

But those hopes were dashed, Wales coach Warren Gatland stressing yesterday that Charvis not being involved in either the Six Nations or the Wales training camp in Ireland last week probably counted against his inclusion.

Gatland pointed out that Charvis is no longer a specialist seven, though he then went on to say that the position in the lair of the world champions would probably be filled by Jonathan Thomas, essentially a six or eight, with Dafydd Jones, also mainly a six, in reserve after the Llanelli Scarlets player was also called in from the international wilderness.

So the writing is on the wall for Charvis who has shown no inclination at 35 to carry on with the Dragons for another season, though there has been a clamour for him to do so from the fans, especially after last Friday's performance against Magners League champions Leinster.

Gatland admitted he watched that game, even though still in the Irish training camp. "We did watch the game and Colin played very well," he said.

"But he hasn't been playing a lot at seven either, though he's hugely experienced. There has beenspeculation about him returning, started by myself and we tried to get him involved in Ireland.

"But we spoke about perhaps denying a younger player the chance to be involved. We are looking at developing players, we are looking to the future as much as anything."

Dragons coach Paul Turner can see both sides of the coin. "Colin has been great for us and has shown real leadership qualities when we needed them at the end of the season, but I also see where Wales are coming from," he said.

Turner is delighted two Dragons players are making the trip to South Africa - tight head prop Rhys Thomas and scrum half Andy Williams.

Thomas was a member of the Six Nations squad, playing against Italy and Williams gets an unexpected opportunity after the withdrawal through injury of Mike Phillips and Dwayne Peel.

Promising Cardiff Blues backs Jamie Roberts and Tom James get the call while there is also a place for young Blues lock Bradley Davies, though he hardly played this season because of injury.

"He has potential, though I haven't seen much of him,"admitted Gatland. "But I've heard a lot about him and we can also have a look at Alun Wyn Jones at six if there are any injuries, so we are taking another second row."

Players also going who were not involved in the Six Nations are full back Morgan Stoddart, centre Andrew Bishop and London Irish scrum half Warren Fury, along with from Andy Williams and Dafydd Jones.