MATT Stevens’ rugby career lies in tatters after he received a two-year ban for failing a drugs test.

The England and Bath prop received the ‘‘prescribed sanction’’ at a European Rugby Cup Ltd disciplinary hearing after metabolites of cocaine were found in his system.

Stevens, 26, has been banned from all rugby and rugby-related activities until January 18, 2011.

Bath will hold an internal hearing with Stevens. He failed the drugs test after a 25-19 Heineken Cup win over Glasgow on December 14.

After being informed of the result, Stevens made a tearful public confession and revealed he had developed a problem with drugs.

Stevens, who has won 32 Test caps, was immediately removed from England’s RBS 6 Nations squad.

Stevens had been expected to make the Lions squad for this summer’s tour to South Africa and he could have been one of England’s most experienced players come the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

His chances of featuring in that tournament are now minimal.

Stevens was informed on January 19 that his urine sample had contained benzoylecgonine and methylecgonine, which are metabolites of cocaine.

Stevens informed ERC on January 29 he did not wish to take up his right to have his ’B’ sample analysed. On February 12, Stevens requested the case go forward to a judicial committee to determine whether an anti-doping violation had occurred.

He confirmed that he would not be appealing the verdict and that he intends to return to rugby when he has served the ban.

A spokesperson for Stevens said: ‘‘Matt has pleaded guilty and chosen not to appeal the decision and accepts full responsibility for his actions.’’ England manager Martin Johnson said: ‘‘I have said all through this episode that there is no place in sport or society for illegal drug use.

‘‘Matt chose to take a banned substance and will now have to accept the consequences.’’