Jeremy Guscott believes England prop Matt Stevens will eventually benefit from being caught taking recreational drugs.

The 26-year-old provided a positive sample following Bath's Heineken Cup clash with Glasgow last month, and has been suspended by his club and by England "until the matter is concluded".

The South-African born star faces a maximum two-year ban under European regulations as well as an uphill struggle to return to top-flight rugby.

But former Bath and England centre Guscott said: "Matt's been caught, which, in the long run, will be to his benefit. It's the best for him, his life, and the people involved in his life because it would only get worse from here on in."

Stevens broke down in tears as he confessed to a drug problem that has stunned rugby.

Guscott added: "It is pretty astounding. Throughout my career there were very little drugs. You know you're going to get tested.

"These guys in general are very true and honest to themselves. It takes a lot of hard work to get into the position of representing your country."

In an emotional televised interview, Stevens revealed the level of the problem he is facing.

He said: "I was tested for a prohibited substance. It is not performance-enhancing. It is a very serious substance and something over a period of time I have realised I have an issue with, something I think has basically ruined my life. It is pretty distressing talking about this. When you think how much time and effort so many people have put in to my career. I have thrown it away with irresponsible behaviour."

Stevens, who has sought counselling for his drug use, added: "Like any drug problem you don't know it's happening and then it mounts up and before you know it you have a problem and an illness.

"I want to say I truly am very sorry. I want to change my life and hopefully one day get the faith back that people had in me."

Stevens is the highest-profile British rugby player to fail a doping test. He moved to Bath as a student in 2002 and has won 32 England caps since making his international debut against the All Blacks in 2004 and was also a member of the 2005 British Lions squad.

Under the International Rugby Board's doping regulations, the maximum ban for a first violation is two years.

However, if a player can successfully establish the use of such a specified substance was not intended to enhance sport performance, the sanction would range between a warning and a one-year ban.

Two years ago, Australia wing Wendell Sailor was banned for two years for testing positive for cocaine, while three Fiji players, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Vilimoni Delasau and Sireli Naqelevuki, have received suspensions of between three and nine months for cannabis use.

In a statement Bath, Stevens's club, said: 'The procedure for potential doping offences is clearly laid out in both the player's contract and the European Rugby Cup Regulations. The player is immediately suspended from competition and has been suspended by Bath Rugby until the case is resolved."