No regrets for Pocock
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Former Australia rugby captain David Pocock says he has no regrets over his arrest Sunday at a protest against a coal mine being constructed in a state forest in northern New South Wales.
The Australian Rugby Union has issued a formal written warning to Pocock following his arrest.
"While we appreciate David has personal views on a range of matters, we’ve made it clear that we expect his priority to be ensuring he can fulfil his role as a high-performance athlete.
he 26-year-old Pocock will appear in the Narrabri Local Court in New South Wales on January 14 and the six other arrested protesters will appear on January 27.
The group faces charges including entering enclosed land without a lawful excuse.
Pocock was among 30 protesters who converged on the Maules Creek coal mine in the Leard Forest on Sunday to continue a long-running blockade. With local famrer Rick Laird he chained himself to a digger for 10 hours before being arrested by local police.
Zimbabwe-born Pocock chained himself to a super digger machine and was one of seven people arrested during the protest at the Maules Creek Mine in the Leard State Forest.
"Until this weekend, I have never participated in non-violent direct action," Pocock said in a Tumblr blog post Tuesday.
"I have always hesitated – concerned about the impact this might have on my career."
Pocock said he chose to protest to express his opposition to the fossil fuels industry and its effects on climate.
"While people may not agree with me being arrested, I hope they will see this as an opportunity to further the conversation about climate change and engage more people in helping to shape what is all of our futures," Pocock said.
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