Matt Stevens is facing showdown talks with Bath over his Recreation Ground future after being banned from all rugby for two years, writes Steve Cotton.

The Bath and England prop tested positive for cocaine following a random test given after his side's Heineken Cup win at Glasgow in December.

He was yesterday banned until January 18, 2011 when he appeared before an independent judicial committee in Glasgow. And Bath will now hold talks with the prop, whose lucrative Rec contract expires in June 2012, over his future.

In a brief statement, Bath Rugby said: "Following Matt Stevens' appearance before an independent judicial committee in Glasgow, and the conclusion of a two-year ineligibility from all rugby playing and rugby related activities, Bath Rugby have followed all due processes and will be holding an internal hearing with Matt before making any further statement on this matter."

Stevens' ban will not only preclude him from playing for Bath – or anyone else – but also from training in a professional team environment.

He admitted his guilt in a television interview last month after accepting he had "an issue" with "a very serious substance", which is now known to be cocaine. As a result of his admission, he chose not to have his second, or 'B', sample analysed.

"Like any drug problem, you don't know it's happening and it mounts up – before you know it you're sat there with a problem and an illness," said Stevens.

A statement issued by European Rugby Cup Ltd, the Heineken Cup organisers, said: "This was Mr Stevens' first anti-doping rule violation and the judicial committee accordingly imposed the prescribed sanction of a two-year period of ineligibility from all rugby playing and rugby-related activities dated from January 19, 2009 up to and including January 18, 2011."

England team manager Martin Johnson hinted it would be very difficult for Stevens to force his way back into the international game.

He said: "I have said all through this episode that there is no place in sport or society for illegal drug use.

"Matt chose to take a banned substance and will now have to accept the consequences.

"He will not be involved in rugby for two years and for a professional sportsman that will be a very tough experience."