England rugby star Matt Stevens has broken down in tears on TV after admitting he failed a drugs test and is seeking counselling for an abuse problem

The prop forward confessed to an addiction which could see him banned for two years.

Stevens, 26, tested positive for a recreational substance - assumed to be cocaine - following Bath's Heineken Cup victory over Glasgow.

The South African-born player was immediately suspended by his club and by England, pending an outcome to the case.

"I was tested for a prohibited substance. It is not a performance-enhancing substance," Stevens told Sky Sports News.

"It is a very serious substance and something over a period of time I have realised I have an issue with, something I think has basically ruined my life up until this point.
"It is pretty distressing talking about this. When you think how much time and effort so many people have put in to my career.

"I have thrown it away with irresponsible behaviour.

"The thing is, like any drug problem, you don't know it is happening and then it mounts up and before you know it you are sat there with a problem and an illness.

"It started off a couple of nights where you take it after a big night out with your friends and it wasn't a big deal.

"That is the problem with drugs, that it so quickly becomes a big deal. I owe it to everyone to admit that."

Stevens added: "I want to say I truly am very sorry. I went to a few counselling sessions before the test came out. I obviously wasn't serious enough about it then.

"I had another session today and I will be going to a meeting tonight."

Stevens is the highest-profile British rugby player to fail a drugs test and the news left players' union chief Damian Hopley "shocked".