Wallabies player David Pocock has received a formal written warning from the Australian Rugby Union following his arrest in a coal mine protest in north-west NSW.
The injured former captain chained himself to machinery with several others on Sunday, as about 30 protesters joined a blockade at the Maules Creek mine in the Leard Forest.
After 10 hours, Pocock, 26, was among seven people arrested by Narrabri Police and charged with offences including entering enclosed land without a lawful excuse.
In a statement on Pocock's personal blog, he said he took part in the protest because of his deep concern for climate change.
"My parents were always clear with my brothers and I when we were growing up that you have to have the courage of your convictions and that when you commit to something you must fully commit," the statement read.
"That’s why, this weekend I travelled to the Leard Blockade to meet with farmers, activists and fellow Canberrans who are deeply concerned about the expansion of the Maules Creek Mine in the Leard State Forest."
"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."
"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," an ARU statement said.
"The matter is now subject to legal proceedings and we will now let the legal process take its course."
Pocock is due to appear in Narrabri Local Court on January 14.
"I know some are very uncomfortable with breaking the law, but I feel that nonviolent direct action in the face of coal mines and climate change draws on a long history of civil disobedience being used to highlight injustice. #leardblockade," Pocock tweeted on Monday.
Pocock hasn't played with the Wallabies since undergoing a knee reconstruction in March.
Pocock's Super Rugby club the Brumbies said they were aware of the arrest when the flanker resumed pre-season training on Monday.
"Although I'm aware of David's passion and concern for environmental issues, he has clearly breached the ARU's Code of Conduct and put the Brumbies in a difficult situation," he said in a statement.
"The matter will be dealt with by the NSW Police, so we are not at liberty to make any further comments at this stage."
