Wales lock Luke Charteris to leave Dragons

[TRF_Cymro]

Wales lock Luke Charteris will leave Newport Gwent Dragons at the end of the season. French club Perpignan are favourites to sign the 28-year-old World Cup star, while a team from Japan and a Super 15 franchise are also interested.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/16035303.stm
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[Draggs]

Very disappointing. People wonder why the Dragons can't compete; its pretty difficult when your squad is constantly being picked from every time you try and restructure.
Hopefully this will push the WRU into looking at central contracts. If we want to compete as a top rugby nation, than we need to act like one. I'd start with about 30 contracts and go from there. Tie down Adam and Geth first and foremost, Perpignan are already after the former.

 

[dullonien]

Damn, that's a huge, huge loss for the Dragons. He seems determined to secure full release for all Wales games and training, so that's one bit of good news for Welsh rugby as a whole, although I seem to remember Hook saying something similar.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I have a feeling Byrne, Philips and Hook all have the same, they just chose not to make themselves available for the Australia match

Would be interesting to know which Super 15 side is (apparently) interested in him

 

[Draggs]

I have a feeling Byrne, Philips and Hook all have the same, they just chose not to make themselves available for the Australia match

Would be interesting to know which Super 15 side is (apparently) interested in him

Rebels and Waratahs have been mentioned.
If he does leave us for the S15, could it at least be the Sharks??

 

[TRF_Cymro]

I have a feeling Byrne, Philips and Hook all have the same, they just chose not to make themselves available for the Australia match

Would be interesting to know which Super 15 side is (apparently) interested in him

Hook will be released for the 6 Nations as will Phillips and Byrne but will not be released early for Wales 2 week preparation camp in Poland because it falls outside of the IRB international games window for the 6 Nations. Hook is already fearing for his 6 Nations place.

 

[Draggs]

Hook is almost assured of a bench spot, at least. I don't know if Byrne would make the 22 if we are able to select from a full side.
Phillips is the only one who is first choice in their respective position, with regards to backline players.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Rebels and Waratahs have been mentioned.
If he does leave us for the S15, could it at least be the Sharks??

Interesting - do the Australian SXV sides have foreign-player limits?
I'm sure I heard before they could only have 2 or so players

I think it's much more likely he'll go to France, though - In France there's a chance you could get picked for Wales, but I think on the otherside of the world is pushing it a bit.
I know Delve got picked for the WC training squads, but the WC is different to the Six Nations/tours

 

[Draggs]

Interesting - do the Australian SXV sides have foreign-player limits?
I'm sure I heard before they could only have 2 or so players

I think it's much more likely he'll go to France, though - In France there's a chance you could get picked for Wales, but I think on the otherside of the world is pushing it a bit.
I know Delve got picked for the WC training squads, but the WC is different to the Six Nations/tours

I cannot comment on foreign players, but I agree that France is more likely if he wants to represent Wales. Unless this global rugby calender happens, he would miss the Six Nations playing in the S15, and probably not involved during the AI's due to preseason training.