Hock tests positive for cocaine

The 25-year-old second rower was found to have Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in his system after he was tested following Wigan's home match against Salford earlier this month.

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."

It continued: "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."

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 Warriors to the end of the 2011 season, would become the most high-profile drugs offender.

His last match was for England in their 66-12 win over France in Paris 10 days ago. He also played 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.

The Wigan-born player was in trouble with officials last July when he was banned for five matches for tugging the arm of a referee during a match against Huddersfield.

The news comes five months after England and Bath prop Matt Stevens was banned for two years after admitting a cocaine addiction.