Tony Dempsey on Thursday announced he will retire as chief executive of the Rugby Union Players Association at the end of 2009.

After 15 years with the organisation including being the founding president and almost nine years as CEO, Dempsey has advised the RUPA Board and its members of his intention to retire on December 31.

"I have for some time been considering the right time to depart the organisation and I believe the timing is now appropriate," said Dempsey.

"The organisation is in very good shape.

"My time with the RUPA has been a very rich, satisfying and rewarding one filled with many great experiences. I was lucky enough to be involved in the cut and thrust of the advent of the professionalism of rugby in the heady days of 1995 and to have helped Australian Rugby manage that transition from amateurism to what is now a fully matured professional sport."

Dempsey has been appointed to act as a consultant in 2010 to assist the RUPA with the renegotiation of Australian Rugby's Collective Bargaining Agreement.

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