Luke Charteris joined the Newport outfit in 2003. The 2005–2006 season saw him suffer with injury but he ended the season strongly and toured Argentina with the Wales team. Standing at 6 foot 10 inches tall, Charteris is one of the Dragons' top line-out choices.

Born in Cornwall, but raised in Wales, Charteris made his senior debut in the loss to South Africa in 2004. He has also represented Wales at U19 and U21 levels. He was part of the RBS Six Nations squad in 2006 but didn't make an appearance.

Charteris enjoyed a strong 2006–2007 season with the Dragons; he made 23 appearances and gained one crucial try in the Heineken Cup 24th place play-off against Rugby Calvisano in the final game of the season, ensuring the Dragons a place in Europe's top-flight competition for the 2007–2008 season.

In November 2007 Charteris was recalled to the international stage by Wales Caretaker Coach Nigel Davies. He was included in a 31-man training squad ahead of the inaugural Prince William Cup clash with world champions South Africa and after being selected for the bench, Charteris made a replacement appearance in the 34-12 defeat at the Millennium Stadium.

Charteris, who has been at Rodney Parade since 2003, had committed his future to the Dragons for the foreseeable future after signing a three-year extended contract in December 2008.