By Russell Barder

Stevens could face a two-year ban if found guilty at an ERC hearing

Matt Stevens will face a European Rugby Cup disciplinary hearing this week in relation to a failed drugs test.

The Bath and England prop admitted to using a recreational drug having failed a test after a match in December.

The ERC has said it was prohibited from disclosing the date of the hearing, but BBC Sport understands it will take place on Thursday.

"We cannot release details of any anti-doping case due to IRB (International Rugby Board) law," a

spokesman said.

"If a player is found guilty of an anti-doping violation then a statement will be released."

The 26-year-old confessed to having problems with a "very serious substance" and was automatically suspended from playing until his hearing.

Stevens was also withdrawn from England's Six Nations squad and, despite the drug not being performance-enhancing, he could face a two-year ban from the sport under World Anti-Doping Agency regulations.

In 2006 Australia winger Wendell Sailor was handed a two-year ban after he had tested positive for a recreational drug, while in December Manchester prop Marshall Gadd was also suspended for two years after taking a banned substance.

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