Stevens case damaged rugby - Johnson - Sport in brief

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The Bath tighthead is facing a maximum two-year ban after testing positive for a prohibited substance, thought to be cocaine, and confessed to being in the grip of an addiction.

"It's a blow as a player and as a person. It's a blow to the reputation that goes with our team and the game." said Johnson.

"Matt has the hearing - and because of the length of ban he's looking at, he won't be playing for England for a fair while,

"If Matt wants to resume his rugby career after whatever ban he gets then that's down to him. But we're a long way from that - it hasn't even been considered.

"I was disappointed and surprised by the news. I felt let down. There were lots of emotions really. All the guys know there is stringent drug-testing in the sport.

"We don't want guys taking drugs. It's not good for them as people or athletes. It's not good for our squad and sport."

No date has been set for Stevens' hearing, and Johnson wishes the 26-year-old South African-born player well in his battle against what he described as an "illness".

"We hope that Matt gets himself sorted out. It's a sad situation from everyone's point of view. He can't play rugby, doing what he wants to do," he said.

"He's got himself into trouble with drug-taking, and we have to get on with it as a team. We hope Matt gets himself sorted out as quickly as possible."