WESTERN Force openside flanker David Pocock says his decision to re-sign with the club until the end of 2010 was one made with the head, not the heart.

Pocock, whose family is based in Queensland, was heavily pursued by the Reds, but the 20-year-old said staying with the Force was in the best interests of his rugby career.

"Obviously family was definitely a factor, but my decision was more of a rugby one," Pocock said from Canberra, where he is in camp with Australia's under-20 side.

"You've only got 10 years to play so I was keen to stay in Perth because I thought that was where I'd get the most out of my development.

"The coaching staff do a great job … from every angle it's a good program and I've been happy there. I'm looking forward to the next two years."

Pocock already has 25 Super 14 caps for the Force and has been earmarked as a future Wallaby. But the man nicknamed Bam-Bam by his teammates refused to buy into the hype.

"There are a lot of talented players in the openside flanker position vying for places in the Wallabies but it is obviously a goal of mine to play for Australia," Pocock said.

"I just have to keep playing well and keep improving my game and wait for my opportunity."

Pocock's commitment to the Force for the next two seasons is another setback for the Reds, who have lost former Wallaby flanker David Croft to retirement.

Pocock played three matches for Australia A in the 2007 Pacific Nations Cup and made his Force debut just three weeks after his 18th birthday.