Hock handed five year deal

Gareth Hock has signed a new five-year deal with Wigan as he prepares to return from his two-year drugs ban.

Hock, 27, who tested positive for cocaine in 2009 and has been forced to sit out of the game since then, is already back in training with the Warriors and is eligible to play from June 23.

Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan said: “We are delighted that Gareth is now back training with the rest of the squad and we are all looking forward to seeing him again next month in a Wigan shirt. The contract is a long term agreement by both the Club and Gareth contingent upon his continuing exemplary performance of the last two years and which allows for Gareth to see out his playing career at Wigan.

“Gareth has worked tirelessly to get his life back on track in the last two years and has shown his commitment to his rehabilitation, to his Rugby League career and to Wigan Warriors.”

Hock is now signed up at the DW Stadium to the end of 2015, where he will be looking to add to the 128 appearances he has already racked up for the club.

The Wigan-born back-rower was named in the England squad for the 2008 World Cup and previously made four appearances for Great Britain.