Dear Wallabies fans, I’m sorry – Michael

Outgoing Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has bared his soul in an emotional open letter to ‘‘Aussie rugby fans’’.

Cheika stood down from his post after Australia’s humiliating 40-16 quarterfinal loss to England last week.

Since arriving back in Australia, it has been revealed Cheika and Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle were involved in a heated verbal stoush at a cocktail function at the Australian embassy in Tokyo during the World Cup.

As the fallout from arguably the worst World Cup campaign for the Wallabies continues, Cheika took the extraordinary step of penning an open letter to Australian rugby fans on the Athletes Voice website following his turbulent five years in charge.

In the letter, released this week, Cheika thanked the ‘‘real’’ and ‘‘amazing’’ Wallabies fans who have ‘‘been louder and more passionate than ever before’’ during the 2019 season.

‘‘Since the final whistle in the quarterfinal last weekend, a lot has been said in living rooms, bars, newspapers, letters and on social media.

‘‘I have had to answer a few questions as well since then, but I’d like to take this opportunity to say a few important things that deserve to be said, and if not said here, probably never will be,’’ Cheika wrote.

‘‘I want to personally thank you all and also say that I am truly sorry we could not go one better in this World Cup than we did in 2015. As the head coach of the Wallabies I want you to know that I feel that weight of carrying all of your hopes and I love the responsibility that comes with it,’’ Cheika wrote.

Cheika said it was that expectation that drove him to make the call, several months ago, to ask not to be reappointed if the Wallabies couldn’t win the Webb Ellis Cup in Japan, despite a desire to continue in the role.

‘‘I know how desperate we all are to win that trophy again. While I know you’ll be disappointed with the results in Japan, I also know you will still wear your gold jersey with pride at the next test match.’’

Cheika, who has been linked with a move back to France, also thanked his 31-man playing squad for ‘‘throwing everything you had into it and pushing yourself every step of the way’’.

He has been overwhelmed by the messages of comfort and support since the quarterfinal loss.

‘‘It’s been something I could not have expected at all,’’ Cheika wrote.

‘‘I am very disappointed that we are out of the World Cup, it hurts bad and it’s going to for a while yet, I won’t lie about that.

‘‘Please know this though, I have loved every minute of being the head coach of the Australian rugby team. I have been honoured and proud to have served all of you and have always strived to give you the best of my ability as a rugby coach and to represent you with all of my energy, heart and soul as a proud Australian on the world stage.’’ .

‘‘I want you to know that I feel that weight of carrying all of your hopes and I love the responsibility that comes with it.’’

Michael Cheika