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Caretaker Wales boss Robin McBryde was knocked back by promising Bath centre Max Clark before naming his squad for the summer tour earlier this week.

McBryde named a 32-man squad for Tests against Tonga and Samoa yesterday and a few eyebrows were raised when Cory Allen, who hasn’t played a 15-a-side game since January, was included as a fifth centre.

But it is understood that Clark declined the chance to head to the southern hemisphere with Wales next month.

He's had a breakthrough season at The Rec and caught the eye towards the end of the year, scoring two tries in the final two games.

After scooping the Aviva Premiership Try of the Week award for his effort against Gloucester, the 21-year-old turned down Wales because he has ambitions of playing for England.

Despite being born in Bridgend and having a Welsh mother, the hard-running gainline-buster has lived in England all his life and has worn the Red Rose through all the age-grade ranks.

(Image: Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

He was part of the England under-20s side that were defeated by New Zealand in the 2015 World Rugby U20s Championship final, despite scoring to put his side ahead early on.

Clark has stated in the past that he had no ambitions of playing for Wales despite his roots, and it appears he’s sticking to his guns.

Wales face Tonga at Eden Park in Auckland on June 16 before travelling to Apia to take on Samoa a week later.