He achieved just a single cap, in the second international encounter between Wales and his birth country England.
Clare was born in London in 1857 but moved to Penarth in Wales, where he became a pilot in the Cardiff Docks, guiding ships through the harbour.
While working in the Cardiff area he began playing rugby for Cardiff Rugby Club.
In 1883 Clare was selected to represent his adopted country when he played for Wales in the opening game of the 1883 Home Nations Championship against England.
Under the captaincy of Charles Lewis, Clare played three-quarters along with David Gwynn and Cardiff team-mate William Norton.