WALES captain Colin Charvis has consigned his nightmare 12 months to the history books after signing a two-year deal with Newcastle Falcons.

The 31-year-old back row man will become the first Welsh international to play for the Falcons when he makes his debut next season, finally bringing the worst chapter of his illustrious career to an end.

Charvis was left out in the cold when the Welsh club game split into regions last summer and, despite leading Swansea to two league titles and a Welsh Cup, was forced to join Tarbes in the French Second Division.

He has continued to be a mainstay of the Welsh national side though, leading his country to a 42-0 demolition of a star-studded Barbarians side in Bristol only last week.

With a number of offers on the table, Charvis could have opted to stay in France.

But, after putting pen to paper at Kingston Park, he is confident a move to England will benefit both parties.

"I'm over the moon to have joined Newcastle," said Charvis, who is part of the Welsh squad that will tour Argentina and South Africa this summer.

"There were offers from France on the table but, having spoken to Rob Andrew and seen the facilities at the Falcons, I liked their ethos.

"From a personal point of view, it's a relief to have it sorted it out and hopefully I can help Newcastle move forward.

"I'm still committed to playing international rugby for Wales, and (Wales coach) Mike Ruddock is happy that I'm at least back in Britain so he can keep track of my progress more easily."

Charvis can play in all three positions across the back row, and his leadership qualities will bolster a Falcons pack who were plagued by inconsistency last season.

"I'm thrilled that Colin has agreed to join us," said director of rugby Rob Andrew. "I think he will add a massive amount to both the pack and the team as a whole.

"He's a proven international captain with a huge amount of experience, and his leadership skills will be a real asset to us in a back row which also includes another international captain, Semo Sititi.

"We had said that we were trying to get big signings into the club during the summer and, in Colin, we have achieved just that.

"I think the supporters will appreciate what a crucial signing this is, and we will be looking forward to seeing him in a Falcons shirt."