Waratahs winger Drew Mitchell credits his move to NSW last season as a key factor in now extending his career in Australia beyond this year's world cup.

Mitchell and Brumbies prop Ben Alexander on Wednesday gave a further boost to the Wallabies when they committed to the Australian Rugby Union until the end of the 2013 season.

Mitchell, 26, enjoyed a stand-out season in 2010 when he appeared in every match for NSW and played 14 of Australia's 15 Tests, following three seasons based in Perth with the Western Force.

"Last year was probably one of the best seasons I've had and I think that has a lot to do with being in Sydney," said Mitchell, who joins hooker Stephen Moore and utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper as Wallabies' re-signings in the past week.

"I really enjoy living in Sydney and the culture we have at the Waratahs is one which brings out the best in everyone."

Mitchell, who has scored 27 tries in 55 Tests for the Wallabies, said he weighed up offers from cashed-up French clubs.

The former Queensland flyer would have fielded some lucrative deals from overseas after scoring an eye-catching hat-trick in the Wallabies Spring Tour thrashing of Six Nations champions France.

"I was only seriously considering other offers from France, not anywhere else," he said.

"For me, I just wasn't prepared to kind of go at the point I'm at, and I thought that if I was going to go to France now, I would end up regretting it a little bit later in life, and I just didn't want to have to live with that."

Mitchell said he's looking forward to bringing home some silverware in a highly-anticipated year for Australian rugby. The optimism comes after a promising finish to last season that included a last-minute, drought-breaking 26-24 win over the All Blacks in Hong Kong.

"I've been fortunate enough to have been involved with the Wallabies since 2005, but while I've had some great experiences in that time, we haven't been able to win any of the big trophies like the Bledisloe, the Tri Nations or the World Cup," said Mitchell.

"I really feel, with the progress that we've made as a team in the last two years especially, that we are capable of winning those tournaments.

Alexander, meanwhile, was delighted with his new deal, keeping him in the ACT.

"I get to stay in Australia and obviously with my beloved Brumbies, so I couldn't be happier," said Alexander, who recovered from knee surgery last season to play all five Tests on the Spring Tour.

"As far as my development goes, I still feel that Australia is the best place for me to be if I am to become the best player that I can be."

Alexander said the carrot offered by the visit of the British and Irish Lions in 2013 was a key factor when making his decision.

"Playing the Lions is a rare opportunity. Like the World Cup, it is an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

"Hopefully I can be a part of it in two years time when they next come here."

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