The Dragons need Charvis for their last two Magners League games

The Dragons have blocked their captain Colin Charvis from joining Wales' pre-South Africa tour training camp.

Wales coach Warren Gatland sent for the veteran back-row after the injury withdrawals of Martyn Williams, Alix Popham and Robin Sowden-Taylor.

Dragons coach Paul Turner confirmed: "We had a message asking if we would release Colin with a view to going on tour but I couldn't, he's our captain."

But flanker Charvis could link up with Wales once the Dragons' season is over.

The 35-year-old forward will lead the Dragons for Tuesday's Magners League Welsh derby against the Ospreys at Rodney Parade before the region welcome champions Leinster on Friday.

606: DEBATE Have the Dragons done the right thing with Charvis?

Gatland requested Charvis' release for Wales' training camp in Ireland on Sunday but Turner refused.

"It was a difficult decision to make," Turner told BBC Sport Wales. "We try to produce regional players to play for our country. That is my job as well as trying to drive this region forward and get results.

"We released Andy Williams and Rhys Thomas to Wales last week, but Colin is the captain here and it's an important week for us.

"I spoke to Wales team manager Alan Phillips and they understood - or I hope they understood - and Colin can certainly be available to tour South Africa.

"He's been great for us, but it's only been two months since Wales informed him they were looking at younger players and I wouldn't have thought a lot has changed.

"But obviously Wales have injuries and Colin's experience and wherewithal would be vital in South Africa, but we'll have to wait and see."

Charvis is Wales' most capped forward, with 94 Tests, and the leading try-scoring forward in international rugby, with 22.

The Dragons faced the Ospreys on Tuesday night and Leinster on Friday night, both at home.

Turner's side need one more point to be sure of finishing above Connacht and securing a Heineken Cup place.