All three men are former international sportsmen of high standing, with Ring and Webbe having represented Wales at previous Rugby World Cups – both men in 1987 and Ring once again in 1991. Their backing for Charvis will cover the four months between August and November and will provide the player with a regular monthly income during that period.
The exact amount being paid to the player will remain private, although it has been confirmed it will be enough to ensure Charvis is not disadvantaged any further following the financial problems at his former club, Swansea, and the collapse of his contract talks with the Neath-Swansea Ospreys during the summer.
Charvis’ agent, Peter Underhill, today confirmed that the money being provided by ZERO ZERO 32 is the only financial package being offered to his player. Contrary to certain newspaper reports, no other parties are involved.
Speaking on behalf of his partners, former Wales soccer international Giles said of ZERO ZERO 32’s extraordinary move:
‘When we first read about Colin’s situation we didn’t really understand what the problem was. We thought he was one of the highest earners in the game, had no financial worries and was all set to go to the World Cup.
‘Then we dug a bit deeper, had a conversation with his agent, called the Welsh team management and discovered a completely different story. Having been a professional soccer player for most of my working life I know how hard it is to make a living at the top and how difficult it can be when contracts run out.
‘It quickly became obvious to us that Colin needed help if he was going to fulfil his World Cup dream. In fact, we soon realised that if someone didn’t come forward then Wales were faced with going to Australia without the world class forward.
‘After speaking to Peter we arranged a meeting with Colin at which he gave us an insight into the last six months of his life. It is not for us to judge him, or those who have been involved with him over that time, but we could easily see his frustrations.
‘Moreover, as international sportsmen ourselves, we were able to empathise with him. That meeting convinced us we had to do something – and fast. We suggested a figure, he accepted and the first of four, monthly cash installments will go into his bank account next week.
‘This is a small gesture by a Welsh company that we hope falls in line with the new WRU slogan, ‘Together – Wales in Union’. Rugby and soccer play a hugely important role in the every day life of people in Wales and the big name stars like Colin not only become idolised, but also sometimes are in danger of being taken for granted.
‘Let’s face it, Colin Charvis has played more than 50 times for Wales, he has played Test rugby for the British Lions and is currently one of the few Welsh players who can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. No wonder the Wales coach Steve Hansen was so concerned about losing him to an English, French or Japanese club.
‘If the backing we have given Colin at ZERO ZERO 32 helps the Welsh cause at the World Cup then we will be delighted. Everyone connected with the restaurant hopes that all the negative, and often spiteful, talk that has been generated in recent weeks about Colin’s financial future will now be laid to rest.
‘We should all bring to the forefront of our minds the images of what a great servant and player Colin has been to Wales and think about what he can do for his country over the next four months. Now is the time to get off the back of Colin Charvis and support him. We are delighted to be doing that at ZERO ZERO 32.’
While Charvis has been training continuously with the Wales squad since returning from the summer tour to Australia and New Zealand, he remains the only player within the 43-strong group who does not have a club contract. That means the only money he can earn is when he is playing for Wales.
Negotiations are at an advanced stage to secure him a new club contract when he returns from the World Cup in November.
‘I am extremely grateful to the backers of ZERO ZERO 32 for their generous offer to me which will now allow me to arrange personal insurance and pay my mortgage over the next few months,’ said Charvis.
‘It means I can make ends meet without having to look for a full time job until I return, if selected, from the World Cup.
‘But more than that, I am flattered that three outstanding international sportsmen should feel that I am worth backing in this way. Many people have voiced their opinion on Colin Charvis in recent weeks, much of which has been hurtful to my family and friends, but here were three people who valued my ability.
‘Their honest backing has given me a considerable confidence boost at a difficult time and convinced me I can bid to go to the World Cup and make a mark for Wales. I may have been fortunate to play more than 50 times for my country, but you can never pull on the red jersey enough times in your lifetime.
‘Playing at the 1999 World Cup, and scoring the first try of that tournament, are rugby memories I will never forget. I’m just thankful to David, Mark and Glenn, that I now have the opportunity to create some more special moments with Wales in Australia.
‘I do hope that after today a line can be drawn under the Colin Charvis saga. I am more determined and committed than ever to play a leading role in the Welsh squad over the next four months and I hope I can now be left alone to do that.’
