Richmond veteran Chris Newman will retire at the end of this AFL season.

The former captain told the club’s playing group on Tuesday of his decision to bow out once the Tigers’ 2015 campaign was finished.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said Newman had been an outstanding figure at the club for 15 years, on and off the field.

“He has been a brilliant player, a strong and composed leader, and a magnificent role model,” Hardwick said.

“He took over as Richmond captain in a difficult time, and carried himself impressively as he helped build the strong culture which exists at Tigerland today.

“I’m sure the players will be doing everything they can to make sure he gets an appropriate send-off, and it’s fitting that our fans can pay tribute to him during the remainder of the season,” Hardwick said.

The 33-year-old, recruited by Richmond at pick 55 in the 2000 national draft, has played 264 games.

He captained Richmond from 2009-12.