Gareth Hock has tested positive for cocaine, his club Wigan Warriors have confirmed.
Wigan confirm forward's positive cocaine finding
Gareth Hock has tested positive for cocaine, his club Wigan Warriors have confirmed.
Benzoylecgonine - the major metabolite of cocaine - was discovered in Hock's A sample following the Warriors' engage Super League victory over Salford City Reds on June 5.
The England international second rower received formal confirmation of the adverse finding from Wigan on Monday.
In a statement, the club said: "Gareth has been charged with an anti-doping rule violation and his registration has been provisionally suspended by the RFL awaiting the B sample test on June 30.
"The club was informed of the situation on Monday 22nd June and joins with the RFL and UK Sport in deploring and condemning the use of drugs in sport including so-called recreational drugs."
Hearing
Hock will face a hearing organised by the Rugby Football League and, if found guilty, almost certainly a two-year ban.
"I can confirm that Gareth Hock has been charged following a sample he provided which contained a prohibited substance," said RFL communications manager Craig Spence.
Hock, who is contracted to the JJB Stadium until the end of the 2011 season, last played in England's 66-12 win over France in Paris on June 13.
He also featured in three of England's games at the 2008 World Cup and was a member of Great Britain's Tri-Nations touring squad in 2006.
