Charvis' controversial career could be nearing a conclusion

The 33-year-old, 84-cap former Wales captain was released by the Falcons at the end of last season.

He has been linked with a number of teams since, but has so far failed to commit himself to a new employer.

Newport Gwent Dragons seemed set to offer Charvis a return to Wales, but that deal fell through.

They were thought to be seeking a replacement for Jason Forster following his move to Doncaster, but the Gwent region are operating on a tight budget after their failure to qualify for next season's Heineken Cup.

With most clubs having now completed their recruitment for next season, it appears Charvis is considering calling it a day after 14 seasons in top-level rugby.

Charvis - who won two caps on the 2001 Lions tour to Australia - was Wales' player-of-the-series in the 2004 autumn campaign, but he missed the following Grand Slam with a serious foot injury and has struggled to make the same impact since.

He started Wales' first four Six Nations games this season and three of their four autumn internationals, but was dropped from the squad for the Six Nations finale against France, then left out of the summer tour to Argentina.

New national coach Gareth Jenkins suggested that was to allow the back-rower to recharge his batteries, and Charvis' experience and ability are likely to be wanted by his country in a World Cup season.

His failure to secure club deals has been a familiar theme, though, a proposed contract with the Ospreys falling through at the inception of Welsh regional rugby in 2003.

He spent a year with French second division side Tarbes, before being brought to Newcastle by Rob Andrew in 2004.