The 34-year-old Dragons back-rower insists he would not be taking his place in Wales 28-man squad for the two Tests against Australia in Sydney on May 26 and Brisbane June 2 if the ambition to play international rugby did not burn brightly.

I still want to play international rugby. Theres no doubt about that, said the former Wales captain, who has been overlooked throughout Gareth Jenkins reign as coach.

I wouldnt put my hand up to go on tour just for the suntan. Its because I want to represent my country that Im going.

And Charvis believes Wales can be competitive against the Wallabies despite Jenkins deciding to leave 18 frontline players back home to prepare for the Rugby World Cup in September.

Forget the hidden agendas about World Cup selection  we have got to concentrate on winning two Test matches, added Charvis.

Thats what we should all focus on going out to Australia. Its a huge challenge going out there. They have rebuilt over the last 12 months, so its a case of focusing on ourselves and seeing how well we can do as a group.

Australia are a very good team. I anticipate that they have improved from the autumn when we drew with them.

One player who has plenty to prove on tour is scrum-half Mike Phillips, whose main rival Dwayne Peel is being left in Wales.

But Phillips, who has sealed a headline-grabbing transfer from Cardiff Blues to the Ospreys, is refusing to let the pressure get to him.

Im looking forward to the tour and I cant wait to get on the plane, insisted the 24-year-old, who has won 20 caps.

Im not going to put pressure on myself because you dont play as well if you do that. Im just going to go out there and enjoy it and play as well as I possibly can. Thats all I can do.

Three years ago, Australia was my first tour. I was very young and I didnt figure. But hopefully this time I play a part in it and get some game time.