The Western Force's recent signing splurge continued by locking away Wallabies flanker Matt Hodgson for the next two Super Rugby seasons, but star back James O'Connor remains at large.

O'Connor, wanted for his dazzling footwork and ability to leave opposing defences for dead, is being heavily courted by the Melbourne Rebels, while the Brumbies and Reds also remain in the hunt to nab him.

The Force are doing everything within their powers to keep O'Connor, with the retention of fellow Wallabies Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Cameron Shepherd and rising stars Nick Cummins and Sam Wykes sure to help their cause.

But the Rebels still lead the race for the 20-year-old speedster, who stopped over in Melbourne on Monday on the way back from Canberra to do some corporate work for one of his sponsors.

O'Connor greeted Hodgson's re-signing by tweeting: "new u cldnt be moving anywhere when u jst bought a pad like urs."

Hodgson, currently on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, has developed rapidly since making his Super Rugby debut in 2006, twice taking out the Force player of the year award.

The 29-year-old, who made his Test debut last year and has five caps to his name, said he had enjoyed his time in Perth.

"We have a great mix of players and have a lot of confidence in what we're all working towards and I'm confident we can put that together into a full season in the coming years," said Hodgson, who also re-signed with the Australian Rugby Union.

"I like letting my rugby do the talking.

"I enjoy doing the stuff that goes under the radar and I go out to do whatever is best for the team.

"I take a lot of heart from being able to contribute in the team environment.

"There has been some tough stuff that we've been through at the club but you can't enjoy the good times without having to do the hard yards and I think we've done that, particularly this season.

"With a continued strong work ethic there are good things to come.

"The six years I've had here already have been excellent and I'm really glad to have another two years to contribute alongside a great bunch of boys."

Coach Richard Graham said Hodgson was part of a core group of players that would take the club forward.

"His quiet and committed approach has earned the respect of his team mates and he exemplifies what we're looking for in a player," Graham said.

The Force, buoyed by their 27-19 win over the Brumbies on Sunday, will be looking to make it two wins on the trot when they take on the Bulls in Perth on Saturday night.

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