English prop Matt Stevens might be looking at the end of his professional rugby career after confirmation on Thursday that he will be banned for two years following a positive test for cocaine.

Stevens, who tested positive after his club Bath’s European Cup clash with Glasgow in December, received the ban from the tournament organisers after a hearing in Glasgow on Tuesday.

He will not be allowed to play again until January 18, 2011, two years after he was charged with the offence. He will miss this year’s Lions tour of South Africa and would appear to have little chance of featuring in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

Confirmation of the ban will come as a devastating blow to the 26-year-old, who had hoped that his admission that he used the recreational drug and commitment to seeking treatment would result in a shorter ban.

Stevens, who has won 32 caps for England and would have been an automatic choice for this year’s Six Nations, confessed last month that he was struggling with substance abuse.

“Like any drug problem you don’t know it’s happening and then it mounts up and before you know it you have a problem and an illness,” he said.

“It started off with just a couple of nights where you take it after a big night out with your friends. It wasn’t a big deal, (but) that’s the problem with drugs, it so quickly becomes a big deal.”

A spokesman for Stevens said the player would not appeal the ban but that he would be aiming to return to rugby after it had been served.

“Matt has pleaded guilty and chosen not to appeal the decision and accepts full responsibility for his actions,” the spokesman said.

In a statement, European Rugby’s disciplinary committee said that it had little option but to hand Stevens the two-year ban “prescribed” by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

England team manager Martin Johnson said Stevens had to accept the consequences of his actions.

“I have said all through this episode that there is no place in sport or society for illegal drug use,” Johnson said.

“Matt chose to take a banned substance and will now have to accept the consequences. He will not be involved in rugby for two years and for a professional sportsman that will be a very tough experience.

“Matt has admitted that he has a problem and is seeking help. We support him in that but all rugby players must understand that they are responsible for their actions, and that includes lifestyle choices.

Source: rugby365.com

Pic: rfutouchline.com