Rugby Update: Matt Stevens back on field after a two year ban for drugs
Matt Stevens made his return after a two year ban for drugs on this Monday for Saracens ‘A’ side with a low key run out. The ex English tight head prop appeared at Old Albanians in a 30-29 Aviva A League victory against Wasps. This was his first action in
rugby after a long term ban.
The 28 year old tight head has capped England 32 times. He is an English rugby union footballer who usually plays at prop and has the ability to cover both sides of scrum as a tight head prop. He has also played for Bath rugby club. He has the honour to
get an appearance on ‘The X Factor’ on ITV and raised 125,000 Euros for the Nelson Mandela fund for Children in 2006. He has a degree of BA in politics from University of Bath. Throughout his tenure in which was serving his ban, Matt Stevens served in the
coffee house that he partly owns too.
In January 2009, while playing against Glasgow Stevens, he failed a drug test and was banned for two years. He had his contract with Bath till 2012 season, which automatically expired. He was inhibited from English Six Nations squad for 2009 and got suspended
by Bath RFC. The drug he was suspended was for ‘Cocaine’ and he quit his club before he feared they would sack him.
While talking to the media after the match yesterday he said, “I've said it was a good thing that happened to me, it's something I've learned from and if you can learn from your mistakes, all the better.”
He added, “I wanted to get back on the field after being pulled off.”
Rightly said, as the player now deserves to be back after learning his lesson and coming on the right track. He is ready to set an example for those who still have to come in this game professionally. Drug usage has ended many careers and Matt Stevens is
one of the rare cases to get a second chance.
On the other hand, Andy Hazell the openside for Gloucester who made his debut in 1998 season for the same club has signed a new deal to remain at Kingsholm. The 32 year old openside has already had a memorial season in 2009.
Tags: