I still have the drive within me to be a success for both Wales and Newcastle Colin Charvis

The 32-year-old missed Wales' Grand Slam glory with injury, but says he is determined to regain his place.

"I could take the easy way out and call it a day now, but I want to play again for Wales," said the Newcastle captain.

"There's a lot of competition for places in the back row. It may well be I am not selected, but I'm not throwing the towel in yet."

Charvis, who joined Newcastle last summer, will take over from joint captains Wilkinson and Ian Peel as the Falcons skipper.

The 77 times-capped former Swansea man enjoyed an impressive first season at Kingston Park and was voted player of the season.

He was back to his best on Wales' summer tour of North America, making the most of his chance while Michael Owen and Martyn Williams were away on Lions duty.

He added: "I want to give myself every chance of being picked, and the one thing that's certain if I retire from Test rugby at this stage is that I won't even have a chance.