England and Wales primed to do battle for Bath rising star Max Clark
ENGLAND and Wales are primed for a tug-of-war battle for Max Clark.
The Bath centre tore apart the Leicester Tigers superstars of Manu Tuilagi and Matt Toomua - scoring two tries in their first win at Welford Road since 2003.
And now the 21-year-old who has come through the Red Rose youth ranks is looking to take the next step from the Premiership to the Test arena.
This summer Bridgend-born Clark turned down the chance to tour with Warren Gatland's Dragons - much to the annoyance of his Welsh mother.
He said: "It's a tricky one. I'm only 21 and I'm half English and half Welsh - I don't know where I want my future to go.
"It's an open question and a tough one. I had never really thought about it and the Wales call-up was put upon me and I thought that at this age I wanted to keep my options open. I didn't say no definitely, it was all quite sudden and I would never say never.
"My mum is still pushing me that way. Maybe there will be a few more questions at the end of the year, who knows, I just have to keep playing well for Bath."
Clark revealed that England scrum coach Neal Hatley has been in touch with him since he broke into the first team at the Rec last season.
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The pair know each other from their time together at Farleigh House, although Clark is refusing to read into things too much right now.
And boss Eddie Jones would have taken notice of him destroying Tigers stars Tuilagi and Toomua.
Clark said: "I've spoken to Neal a few times as I know him from Bath.
"I know what I have to do - keep playing more games for Bath at this level. Last year I was knocking on the door of the Bath squad.
"But If I want to put my hand up for England or whatever international team then I think consistency at the top level is what I need to do. I can't peak one week then go missing for three weeks. I have to be at the top level consistently."
Clark and co face the ultimate test on Saturday when Saracens come to town.
Mark McCall's men crushed Northampton Saints 55-24 at Twickenham and were still without four of the Lions stars AND Billy Vunipola.
But Clark added: "We have got off on the tight foot and it's great momentum winning at Leicester.
"We know what Sarries are capable and have been at the top of the game for the last couple of years. Their tails will be up, but we will be confident back at the Rec and on our home patch."