The former Great Britain rugby league player Terry Newton has been found dead at a house in Greater Manchester.
The 31-year-old is understood to have been found hanged at a house in Orrell, near Wigan, on Sunday afternoon.
In February, the hooker was given a two-year suspension by the UK Anti-Doping Agency after testing positive for a human growth hormone (HGH).
The former Leeds, Wigan and Bradford player then had his playing contract cancelled by Wakefield.
“Shortly after 2pm on Sunday 26 September 2010, police were called to a house on Harswell Close in Orrell, Wigan, following a report of concern for welfare,” a Greater Manchester Police spokesman said.
“Officers went to the address and found the body of a 31-year-old man.
“Inquiries have been launched, but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.”
Newton tested positive for the banned substance on 24 November 2009, after being asked to provide a blood sample during pre-season training with Wakefield.
He was believed to be one of the first athletes in the world to test positive for HGH.
In June, he spoke to BBC Radio 5 live about his hopes to return to the game after his ban, which he hoped to get reduced by the agency.
“Initially it didn’t bother me that I wasn’t playing rugby but now watching games it is starting to sink in,” he said.
“I’ve made one of the biggest mistakes of my life and I know it is something I will regret for the rest of my life.”
Newton made 15 international appearances for Great Britain in a career spanning all 15 seasons of the Super League.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.