Former Wallabies star was arrested in November after he attached himself to a digger during a blockade of the coalmine site in New South Wales

The former Wallabies captain David Pocock, who was arrested during a coalmine protest in north-west New South Wales, has been excused from appearing in court.



Pocock joined several people in locking himself to a digger as part of a long-running blockade at the Maules Creek coalmine in the Leard state forest in November.



Pocock and a farmer, Rick Laird, were arrested and taken into custody by police 10 hours after occupying the digger .

Pocock, 26, was not in court when the matter came before Narrabri local court on Wednesday, but tweeted his thanks to supporters after the case was mentioned.

David Pocock (@pocockdavid) My court case has been adjourned until the 4th of Feb. Thanks for the all the support... #LeardBlockade http://t.co/WFRZJtQcJl

His barrister, Kenneth Averre, indicated representations had been made to the police about the three charges his client faces, which include entering enclosed land without lawful excuse and hindering the working of mining equipment.



His matter was adjourned to Gunnedah local court in February.



It comes after the Australian Rugby Union issued the 46-Test player with a written warning in December over his arrest.



Pocock, who has also been a vocal campaigner for marriage equality, has previously said his parents had always encouraged him to have the courage of his convictions.



After the protest, Pocock wrote on Tumblr: “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 has returned to training with the ACT Brumbies as he continues his comeback from a second knee reconstruction.



The Brumbies said no further action would be taken against Pocock other than the written warning.

