The 31-year-old former Great Britain international was found hanged at his home near Wigan yesterday, seven months after his career was ruined by a two-year drugs ban and a year after his younger sister Leanne died of pneumonia following heroin addiction.

Newton, a player with Leeds, Wigan, Bradford and Wakefield, was thought to have become depressed by the end of his career and problems in his domestic life.

He had been given a two-year ban in February after becoming the first athlete to test positive for human growth hormone (HGH), and afterwards admitted using the substance.

Since the suspension, he had been helping UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) in their investigations and hoped that it would help lead to getting his ban lifted early so he could resume his career.

"On behalf of UK Anti-Doping, our sympathies go out to the family and friends of Terry Newton at this difficult time," said Andy Parkinson, the chief executive of UKAD.

"While the circumstances of our relationship with Mr Newton were hardly ideal, we had respect for his openness and willingness to share his story to help his sport.

"In recent months Mr Newton had been assisting UK Anti-Doping in its enquiries into the use and supply of performance-enhancing drugs, specific details about which are strictly confidential."

Parkinson also expressed support for the Rugby Football League (RFL), who insisted that Newton was not left abandoned following his two-year ban and that they were talking to him about his offer to help counsel youngsters on the problems of drugs.

"The RFL takes anti-doping seriously - it has a rigorous testing programme in place, and provides a high level of education and support to its players and clubs," said Parkinson.

Newton, who had been running a pub in Wigan since his contract with Wakefield was terminated in February, remained in contact with his former team-mates right up to his death.

"People in rugby league stayed close to him. He was not left high and dry," said RFL spokesman John Ledger.

"Every registered rugby league player has access to counselling services if they want them and at the start of every year they are given an information pack with details of those offers.

"Terry will have been reminded of that counselling service.

"The RFL were also in dialogue with Terry about his offer to get involved with speaking to youngsters about the dangers of drugs.

"Nothing had been resolved but it was an open dialogue and we were still speaking to him about it."


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