“‘A Shame for the Sport’: Michael Cheika Seethes as England’s Farewell Concludes in Heartbreak”

Michael Cheika was left seething after his Leicester team came up short in the Rugby Championship final against Bath on Sunday morning (AEST).

The former Wallabies head coach, who is preparing to depart the English club, had aspirations of leaving with some silverware, but a narrow defeat dashed those hopes.

Cheika’s side lost 23-21 in a tense contest at Twickenham, and one pivotal moment particularly irked the Australian coach.

With the match finely poised late in the second half, Tigers prop Dan Cole was sent to the sin bin for a late tackle on Finn Russell after he had kicked the ball.

Despite a late try from Emeka Ilione, Leicester were unable to mount a comeback in the final minutes, and Cole’s yellow card proved to be a costly mistake.

After the match, Cheika expressed his frustrations candidly.

“I felt we didn’t get a fair go from the referee at all; we fought back and kept turning up,” the coach commented.

“We scored three tries to two, which says something. I’m incredibly proud of the players.

“Two players in the bin – the second one was really for nothing. It’s embarrassing for the sport if players are sin-binned for incidents like that. What can I say?”

“If I air my grievances, I’ll land myself in trouble and take the focus away from the other team. I need to keep a lid on my emotions.

“I have my views on the referee’s display, but I’ll discuss that with [head of refereeing] Paul Hull for a bit of final…let’s call it banter.

“It’s fine for me to feel angry, but I’m over it now and willing to accept the outcome.”

This disappointing conclusion not only marks the end of Cheika’s tenure but also signals the end of the career of Cole, who played nearly two decades for Leicester.

The 38-year-old was visibly emotional after the match as he concluded his career alongside long-time teammate Ben Youngs.

Bath have now claimed second place for the most English titles won with seven.

Leicester, however, remains the most decorated club in history with a total of 11 titles.