Banned Hock signs Wigan deal

(GETTY IMAGES)

Gareth Hock will resume his career next month having signed a five-year contract with Wigan.

The Test forward is coming to the end of a two-year ban for testing positive for cocaine. His new deal is the clearest possible indication that Wigan see his misdeeds as being in the past and the player as very much part of their future. Hock has already been given special dispensation to resume training with the club and is clear to play again from 23 June.

"We are delighted that Gareth is now back training with the rest of the squad and we are all looking forward to seeing him in a Wigan shirt again next month," said his chairman, Ian Lenagan.

"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 the Wigan Warriors."