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Wasps 'would offer Stevens a job'

Matt Stevens
Stevens charges through in one of his last games for Bath last year

London Wasps will offer Matt Stevens a return to top-flight rugby at the end of his two-year drug ban, says former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio.

Prop Stevens, 27, who quit Bath after a positive cocaine test last December, is suspended for another 14 months and is battling to make the 2011 World Cup.

Dallaglio, a Wasps board member, said: "We will be happy to offer Matt a job when he completes his ban.

"He was hung out to dry when this broke and Bath should have looked after him."

Stevens tested positive following Bath's Heineken Cup game against Glasgow in December last year and revealed in March he turned to drugs and drink as an escape from the pressure of professional rugby.

The South Africa-born player decided to resign from Bath and came to a mutual agreement with the club who opted against holding an internal disciplinary hearing.

Dallaglio, speaking at the Prince Obolensky lecture - an annual rugby event - is happy to offer Stevens an opportunity to play again with the extra incentive of the World Cup kicking off in New Zealand eight months after the ban ends.

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Former London Wasps skipper Dallaglio, capped 85 times by England and part of the 2003 World Cup-winning side, added: "Wasps have a reputation for taking in waifs and strays.

'We are an inclusive club and the game has a moral obligation to look after Matt, who was banned for using a recreational drug not a performance-enhancing one."

With the loss of his income from rugby, in which he is not allowed involvement at any level while he is banned, Stevens sold his house and planned to run a cafe in Bath.

He made his debut for England against New Zealand in 2004 and has won 32 caps, playing in the 2007 World Cup. He was also a member of the 2005 Lions squad that toured New Zealand.

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see also
Stevens vows to return 'better'
05 Mar 09 |  English
Dallaglio wants new-look England
08 Nov 09 |  English
Bath feel 'let down' by Stevens
21 Jan 09 |  English
England's Stevens fails drug test
21 Jan 09 |  English
Manchester prop banned for drugs
10 Dec 08 |  English


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