Growth.

Quade Cooper has posted an emotional and heartfelt message on Instagram after being forced to withdraw from the Wallabies squad for their European tour.

The mercurial playmaker was a surprise late inclusion in Australia’s Rugby Championship squad, after spending a number of years in international wilderness, and went on to star for the Wallabies as they secured back-to-back wins over the world champion Springboks.

Cooper, along with fellow Japan-based players, Samu Kerevi and Sean McMahon have all pulled out of the Wallabies’ next three tests to appease their clubs, who signed them on the understanding that they would not be eligible to play for Australia.

James O’Connor is expected to play at ten for the Wallabies for their tests against Scotland, England, and Japan with Kurtley Beale to be drafted in as cover.

“My growth as a man is being able to admit I’m hurt. It hurts that I won’t be on tour to Europe with my team mates, especially after experiencing so much growth and overcoming challenges each week,” Cooper wrote.

“I’m hurt that I couldn’t please everyone and keep both my employer and country happy. But although I am hurting now, the happiness I feel from my journey to this point far outweighs the hurt.

“I am so thankful to everyone, from my club Kinetsu Liners for allowing me to play for Australia again to Renz and the Wallabies staff for inviting me in to what proved to be an incredible atmosphere and for all your efforts the past few months but most of all to my team mates and brothers.

“We challenge each other to be better each day and as a result we saw enormous growth as both men and as athletes. Thank you for making the last few months possible.

“This journey has no finish line and my efforts to continue to walk this path will not change. What’s meant to be will be.”