England and Bath prop-forward Matt Stevens has admitted to failing a drug test after his club’s Heineken Cup match against Glasgow Warriors last month. This news has shocked many in the world of rugby given both Stevens’ character and the normally clean nature of the sport.
Stevens, who made his England debut in 2004, told Sky Sports News that "I was tested for a prohibited substance but it's not performance enhancing, so you can take what you want from that," thus suggesting that it was a recreational drug, likely to be cocaine or marijuana. He admitted that it had been a long term problem that has built up over months. He has gone to a few counselling sessions, however he had not taken them seriously, and it was his positive test that has given him the kick to try and regain the faith that people have shown in him.
He has been suspended by Bath and has been removed from the England Elite Playing Squad, and will not travel to Portugal with the rest of Martin Johnson’s men. His future in rugby is currently in doubt, with Australian Wendell Sailor who received a two year ban after a positive test for cocaine in 2006 perhaps being an example of the most extreme ramifications that Stevens may face.
The Celebrity X-Factor winner gave a very frank interview, where he admitted all responsibility - almost breaking down while saying: “when you think about how much time and effort that people have put into my career and I have thrown it away with irresponsible behaviour”.
Damien Hopley of the Professional Rugby Players Association was shocked at the news: “He had built a reputation as a fine ambassador for the game, who does a tremendous amount of voluntary work for a number of charities and good causes... We will be doing everything we can to provide Matt with the support he needs at this very difficult time.”
Though what should we make of the news. Surely credit should be given to Stevens for coming out himself and baring all, although it would have been a matter of time before the test results were revealed. Equally, he did not try and hide the results behind a nasal spray or other medication.
As one of Bath’s driving forces this season, he has been caught up in what only too many can relate to in society, but due to his status it has made the headlines. He should have known better as a high profile name, but if it is as we are being led to believe only the recreational drugs of cocaine or marijuana, surely it does not matter. In politics big deals are made of MPs taking drugs at university, but surely again this is an irrelevance. It is not performance enhancing and far from enhancing his performance on the pitch, it is more likely to hinder it.
As a role model perhaps he should be reprimanded with a fine and a ban to send out a message to those who aspire to wear the Red Rose, or any other crest on their shirts. However, there is no need to lock him up with ball-and-chain, and equally the ban should not be too severe.
As a human, Bath Rugby, the RFU and the PRA should help Stevens overcome his problem; and as fans we should eagerly await his comeback and a return to form which has been pivotal for Bath this season, and has surely helped drive Phil Vickery to rediscover some of his old spark.
Link to the Sky Sports Interview
Will Gilgrass - 21st January 2008
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