Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions | Hansen Hands Charvis Captain’s Armband

Charvis, who did the job on the two-Test tour to South Africa in the summer in the absence of injured Lions No 8 Quinnell, made such a positive impression that Wales coach Steve Hansen has handed him the captaincy for the Tests against Romania, Fiji, Canada and New Zealand.

“One of the big pluses of the tour was Colin’s captaincy,” Hansen said as he unveiled a 30-player squad today.

“Scott is still coming back after his operations and we want him to concentrate on his own game and not be burdened with the captaincy issues.”

Wales start their series against Romania in Wrexham on Friday, November 1, with Hansen stating the whole squad would feature at some time during the compact 22 days.

That should mean first caps for prop Gethin Jenkins, lock Vernon Cooper, flanker Dafydd Jones and centre Sonny Parker – the four new faces in the party.

And New Zealand-born Parker, who qualified for Wales this summer under the residency ruling, gets his chance with Llanelli captain Leigh Davies among those not considered through injury.

“I would hope the majority of this squad will still be around by the time of the 2003 World Cup – barring injuries and drop in form,” said Hansen.

And with big names like Chris Wyatt, Gareth Thomas and Dafydd Thomas missing, the coach insisted “the door is always open.”

Wales squad:

Iestyn Thomas (Llanelli)

Gethin Jenkins (Pontypridd)

Ben Evans (Swansea)

Martyn Madden (Llanelli)

Vernon Cooper (Llanelli)

Gareth Llewellyn (Neath)

Steve Williams (Northampton Saints)

Robert Sidoli (Pontypridd)

Colin Charvis (Swansea)