Forward Gareth Hock has been removed from England’s World Cup squad for “serious breaches of team discipline”, England Rugby League has confirmed in a statement.

Brett Ferres has been called up to replace him.

Widnes Vikings enforcer Hock has enjoyed a controversial career to date.

The 30-year-old was due to join NRL side Parramatta next year before he reneged on a two-year deal to stay with his young family in England.

He tested positive to cocaine in 2009 and was handed a mandatory two year ban.

Earlier this year he was handed a four game Super League ban for making deliberate contact with a referee. It followed a similar incident in 2008.