COLIN Charvis is no longer with Newport Gwent Dragons, bringing an end to his four-year association with them as a player and coach.

It is understood that the 94-times capped former Wales captain has left the Dragons suddenly, though neither Charvis nor officials are prepared to make any comment.

After finishing his playing career because of persistent knee trouble he took up coaching and replaced Leigh Jones in charge of the forwards after Jones took up a post as coach education chief in Hong Kong.

He then became defence coach when Danny Wilson, formerly with Cardiff Blues academy and London Welsh, joined as forwards chief during the summer.

But the Dragons have leaked tries in their opening four games of the season, conceding four against lowly Connacht in an opening day shocker and Cardiff Blues and three more against the Scarlets in Friday night’s disappointing home defeat.

But Charvis also has extensive business interests and has been working for the BBC as a pundit for Wales’ internationals.

He joined the Dragons in 2006 in the twilight of his playing career and produced a series of outstanding displays which took him back to the brink of the Welsh team.

In season 2006-07 he made 26 appearances, playing in all three back row positions, and captained the team on four occasions. The following season he played in another 16 matches before knee injuries limted his appearances to just nine in his final season in 2008-09.

Then his coaching career started to kick in, but it has ended abruptly with the Dragons after just four games of the new season.

Charvis could not be contacted while Dragons rugby manager Robert Beale declined to comment.

It is understood severance terms are being worked out between the two parties.

The Dragons, meanwhile, head for Italy this weekend and a tricky trip to Treviso when their original home advantage had to be given up because of the Ryder Cup, presenting themselves with an altogether more difficult problem.

The change of venue could make all the difference because Treviso have beaten the Scarlets and Leinster at home while the Blues managed only one try there in their 19-7 victory and afterwards admitted they had come under the cosh.

None of the Dragons’ injured players is expected to return, but there could be further appearances for wing Adam Hughes and loose head prop Phil Price after they both started against the Scarlets and produced impressive performances.