Queensland Reds lock Josh Canham admits the prospect of missing out on a home World Cup was too tough to ignore as he commits his future to Australian Rugby.
Canham inked a one-year extension until the 2027 event amid confirmed interest from cashed-up French clubs, including Top 14 powerhouse La Rochelle.
Watch every second of Super Rugby Pacific live and on demand via Stan Sport.
Instead, the former Rebel is eager to fight for his position in the national set-up after his return to the Wallabies during the Spring Tour against Japan.
"I had some interests from France and looked at everything really, but I couldn't really forgive myself if I left Rugby Australia and Queensland Reds this early," he told reporters.
"I want to give it a full crack up until the World Cup and see what I can do. That's my main thought process and I've enjoyed my year here so far."
This would've seen the USA-born lock pair up with fellow Australian Will Skelton, who has won two European titles with the club since his move in 2020.
"I was talking to them for a bit at a point there, just playing with Will would have been really cool, but I'm really happy with my decision to stay at Queensland," he confirmed.
"...I've got to take every offer on its merits and look at every opportunity, but focusing on Queensland, they ticked every box for me, so it was hard to say goodbye at this point."
Canham has his sights firmly set on breaking through for his debut Test start and featuring at the World Cup..
"I think [Rugby World Cup] is the goal for everyone in these systems," he believes. "I think if I went over there now and it didn't give me the best opportunity to make that World Cup squad, I would have always thought, what if?
"Staying here and giving myself the best opportunity, a great coaching group, and a great environment here is probably the main reason for staying."
The 24-year-old made the move up north after making his name with the Melbourne Rebels.
The lock has been impressed with the growth of the squad as they look to improve on last year's quarter-final appearance.
"I think the coaching staff have really impressed me the first year I've been here. The playing group, especially, and just the style of footy they play, I think, suits the style of footy I like to play," Canham added.
