Waugh has enjoyed a long career with the Waratahs but will hang up his boots at the end of 2011 © Getty Images

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Phil Waugh has announced that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of 2011 but hopes to be part of the Wallabies' World Cup squad.

The 31-year-old flanker hopes he can add to the 79 Test caps he has won since making his international bow in 2000 - a tally that that places him twelfth on the Wallabies all-time list, but the the last of those came in 2009. "I've been very humbled and very proud to have represented Australia over a decade ... and I hope to increase on that number of Test caps," Waugh said. "It's obviously a big year for rugby and I want to be a part of that World Cup squad. I'm very proud of my career and what I've achieved and, in terms of rugby memories, I hope that my fondest memories occur over the coming months."

Waugh will lead his Waratahs side out against the Blues on Friday at Eden Park for a place in the Super Rugby play-off semi-finals in what will be his 125th Super Rugby match for the New South Wales franchise. Waugh still believes he has the ability to perform at the highest level for a few more years, but has made the decision to step aside into business.

"At 31, I'm excited about transitioning to the next phase of my life and the challenges I will face in forging a business career," Waugh said. "I started playing when I was four at the Narrabeen Tigers and I need to thank the support I've had from everyone at all levels of the game - at Narrabeen, Warringah Juniors, the Shore School, Sydney University Football Club, NSW Rugby Union and the Australian Rugby Union.

"I still have a huge interest in club rugby, junior rugby and the development of rugby in this state and I'd like to encourage the ARU to continue their strong support for those levels of the game. It's sad to leave what's been such a huge part of my life, but in saying that I've been very fortunate to be in this environment for as long as I have."