Standing at six feet nine inches tall, Wales second-row Luke Charteris has become a crucial line-out weapon for the Newport Gwent Dragons in the Magners League.

Charteris secured a Wales debut in November 2004 against South Africa, winning further caps against the USA and Canada in 2005 before being an unused squad player during the 2006 Six Nations.

He spent some time away from the Wales squad following the Six Nations, but was recalled by caretaker coach Nigel Davies for the Prince William Cup game against South Africa at the Millennium Stadium in November 2007.

Although he missed out on the 2008 Six Nations, Wales boss Warren Gatland recalled Charteris to the squad for the autumn internationals. He started the win against Canada before making an appearance for the bench against the All Blacks.

Charteris kept his place in the side for the entirety of the 2010 November internationals before playing a key part in the national side for the 2011 Six Nations. And Charteris will go into the World Cup hoping to make an impact alongside the likes of Alun Wyn-Jones and Brad Davies.

Charteris started the bulk of Wales' games in the tournament - including their semi-final against France. And following the campaign, Charteris confirmed that he would leave the Dragons at the end of the season and join an unnamed Top 14 side - expected to be Perpignan.

Charteris was struggling with an injury throughout the 2011-12 season but recovered to play a role in Wales' charge to the 2012 Six Nations Grand Slam.