Former England rugby league player Gareth Hock appears in court charged with rape and assault
A FORMER England rugby league player has appeared in court charged with rape.
Gareth Hock, 39, was charged last week with ten offences in total by Greater Manchester Police.
The ex-Super League forward appeared at Bolton Crown Court today where he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Hock is charged with rape, assault by beating, ABH, controlling or coercive behaviour and perverting the course of justice.
No pleas were entered but a ten day trial was provisionally set for April next year.
The star was bailed under the condition he surrenders his passport, wears a GPS tracking tag and sleeps every night at his home address.
Hock began his playing career with hometown club Wigan Warriors in 2003, where he went on to make almost 200 appearances.
He later earned four caps for Great Britain and five for England – including in the 2008 World Cup.
Hock also had stints at Widnes, Salford, Featherstone, Barrow and Leigh.
The player retired in 2019 after a total of 313 career appearances and 81 tries.
Hock now runs a business where he hires out skips.