Wallabies and NSW Waratahs forward Dean Mumm on Wednesday announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the 2017 season.

Mumm will hike to the North Pole next year in a quest to raise funds for Borne, a premature birth research charity.

"I've had a great career in rugby and it’s given me so much but now I see it as an opportunity to give back, as well as spend some quality time with my family," the 33-year-old said.

Mumm has played 122 times for the Waratahs and also had a three-year stint with the Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership.