WALES coach Gareth Jenkins has become involved in the Colin Charvis-Newport Gwent Dragons saga which has been going on for the past week.

Jenkins has made it clear to both parties that he would like the 84-times capped former Wales captain, pictured, to return to the Principality and bid for a place in next year's World Cup squad.

It is understood Jenkins has spoken to both sides and has urged them to come to an agreement as soon as possible, with Charvis' career currently in limbo.

The 33-year-old back row forward was released by English Guinness Premiership side Newcastle at the end of last season and so far Charvis has been unable to find a new team, with no offers on the table until this week.

That was made by the Dragons, whose need for a quality back row signing has become urgent in view of the shoulder operation needed by Michael Owen.

That could rule him out for the first two months of the season and might even make his involvement in the Dragons' opening two European Challenge Cup games doubtful.

The Dragons were a back row man down in any case after releasing Richard Bryan and Rhys Oakley and former captain Jason Forster deciding to join Doncaster.

With Owen a summer casualty it leaves the Dragons with newcomers Joe Bearman and Nic Fitesemanu, plus Jamie Ringer and utility forward Andrew Hall as their senior players available in the back row, which is two down in numbers.

Coach Paul Turner has been keen on acquiring the services of Charvis all along, admiring his ability and regarding him as an attraction able to draw in more fans.

The two sides have spoken on more than one occasion and it is understood an offer has been made by the Dragons, but so far no agreement has been reached.

Talks may resume early next week and it could be that Charvis will soon become a Dragons player.

Charvis, 6ft 2in and 16st 10lb, won the first of his 84 caps back in 1996. He led Wales 22 times between 2002-2004 and has scored 20 tries for his country.

His last appearance for Wales was in the drawn Six Nations Championship game against Italy in March.