The body of missing rugby league player Bryn Hargreaves has been discovered, one year after he went missing without a trace.

Hargreaves was 36 years old at the time of his disappearance, after he was reported missing in January 2022 after he failed to show up for work.

His sudden disappearance sparked a major search operation led by police and tracker dogs in West Virginia, according to reports from The Sun.

More than a year after he was last seen, his body was found in dense woodland near the US home of Hargreaves, according to the Mail.

Bryn’s older brother Gareth broke the news of the discovery in an emotional Facebook post.

He wrote, “RIP Bryn Hargreaves. With incredible sadness I can confirm after 14 months we have finally found Bryn.”

“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.”

After a member of the public found the body and alerted the authorities, Monongalia County Sheriff’s office sent the remains to the West Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office for a post-mortem and positive identification.

Hargreaves, who hails from the UK, began his sporting career as he played in Super League for Wigan, St Helens and Bradford before retiring and moving to the States to work in the oil and gas industry at 26 years old.

Hargreaves’ mum Maria also spoke out following the tragic news of his confirmed death.

She wrote, “I’m in bits #heartbroken my beautiful son Bryn I can’t think of any words to describe the pain xx.”

Despite finding his remains, there has been no cause of death confirmed.

Image credits: Getty Images