 Stevens had been selected for England's Six Nations elite squad
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England and Bath forward Matt Stevens has failed a drug test and has been suspended from all competition.
Stevens failed the test after Bath's Heineken Cup match against Glasgow in December 2008.
The South African-born 26-year-old has been removed from England's squad for the Six Nations, with manager Martin Johnson considering a replacement.
He has admitted he took a prohibited substance but insisted it was not a performance enhancing drug.
Under drug-testing procedures Stevens will now undergo a second test.
Professional Rugby Players Association chief executive Damian Hopley said he was shocked by the news.
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Matt had built a reputation as a fine ambassador for the game
Damian Hopley
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"This is very out of character for Matt," he said.
"He had built a reputation as a fine ambassador for the game, who does a tremendous amount of voluntary work for a number of charities and good causes.
"We will do everything we can to provide Matt with the support he needs at this very difficult time."
Stevens, who has 32 England caps, joined Bath in September 2002 after representing South Africa at under-18 and under-19 levels.
He made his England debut in the non-capped game against the New Zealand Barbarians in December 2003 and claimed his first two caps on the 2004 summer tour against the All Blacks.
The England squad are due to fly out to a training camp in Portugal on Sunday.
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