Matt Stevens released the following statement today after the England and Bath rugby player revealed that he failed a doping test in December:

"I would like first of all to apologise to all those who rightly feel betrayed by my extremely irresponsible behaviour.

"I am ashamed and deeply sorry for the embarrassment and dismay I have caused the England rugby team and management, my team-mates and colleagues at Bath Rugby, and my family and friends. I wish especially to apologise to rugby supporters and fans.

"I am determined in future to find ways to make amends for the very bad example I have been for young people. Drugs are rife in society and I understand now that I have an illness. I have already taken the first steps towards dealing with it. If nothing else I hope that I will serve as an example of how not to behave, and of the utter foolishness of messing with drugs."