Pek Cowan has been a resolute campaigner for the Force © Getty Images

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Pek Cowan has re-signed with Western Force for a further two seasons, after his Super Rugby form in 2014 saw him play for Australia against France, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina after a three-year absence. Cowan joined the Force for the club's foundation year in 2006, aged 19, and he has since played 91 Super Rugby matches.

"I've never wanted to leave this club until we've achieved something as a group," Cowan said, noting the Force fell just short of a maiden finals campaign in 2014 after producing their best season to date. "[This year] it felt like we almost got there but there's definitely a feeling of having unfinished business.

"I want to see this club succeed and that's a real driving force for me. Falling at the final hurdle [this] year has definitely fuelled the guys moving forward. Last season was confirmation that what we're doing is working and what we're doing is right, it's just a matter of ensuring that we're just a little bit better across the board if we're to take the next step in this competition.

"There's a lot of belief in this squad. We want to play for each other, we respect each other and we continue to drive higher standards, but this year we also learned how to win and had the belief and trust that our training and preparation were going to get us our results on the field."

Force coach Michael Foley said that Cowan had "made a special contribution to our growing success over the last two seasons".

"Along with Matt [Hodgson] and Wykesy [Sam Wykes] - our other 'old boys' - Peka has resisted the temptation to use the past as an excuse and has led a significant shift in mindset focused on higher standards and greater expectation. He's a player that has always had a desire to see the Force succeed and has pushed himself and his mates to reach a higher level of performance this season."