Body of Rugby League player Bryn Hargreaves found over a year after he went missing

The body of Rugby League player Bryn Hargreaves has been discovered, more than a year after he was declared missing.

The former Wigan Warriors, St Helens and Bradford Bulls player, who was 36 at the time of his disappearance, has been found dead, his brother Gareth has confirmed.

Hargreaves went missing in January 2022 and, after a major search led by police and tracker dogs in West Virginia in the United States, his whereabouts remained unknown for more than a year before this latest tragic discovery.

His brother Gareth wrote on Facebook on Sunday: "RIP Bryn Hargreaves. With incredible sadness I can confirm after 14 months we have finally found Bryn."

He added: "We still do not know the cause of death or what actually happened on 3/1/22. Thanks to all those that have helped in the search.

"We would appreciate a little space and will keep you updated when we have any further information x."

Tributes have began to pour in on social media for Hargreaves, who made his name as a prop at his hometown club Wigan in the noughties. He was known as a physical forward, although had his injury issues and retired from the game in 2012 before moving across the pond.

He was working in the US as a gas and oil pipe safety inspector and was living alone following a divorce, at the time of his disappearance.

His mum Maria Andrews wrote on social media: "Not something I wanted to be sharing. I'm in bits #heartbroken. My beautiful son Bryn. I can't think of any words to describe the pain xx."

His former club Bradford Bulls posted on Twitter: "We are extremely saddened to learn the body of former player Bryn Hargreaves has been found.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with Bryn's family and friends at this difficult time."