Matt Stevens makes emotional return

Saracens prop Matt Stevens will make an emotional return to Twickenham in today's Aviva Premiership final with a new perspective on life and on rugby.

Stevens last played there in a Test against New Zealand in November 2008, just a month before he failed a drugs test. But the fact Stevens had to be reminded about his involvement against the All Blacks provides a clue as to the inner turmoil he was experiencing at the time. Cocaine became his release. Eventually he was caught by a random test after a Heineken Cup game at Glasgow. A two-year ban followed, a period which has changed his life. Stevens has twin daughters, Ava and Coco, with his fiancee India, whom he met 18 months ago. They have provided stability at home which has helped Stevens make a successful return.

Saracens have not lost since Stevens joined them in January and they head into today's final against Leicester on the back of a 12-match unbeaten run. "I have a strong base for myself at home," said Stevens. "My fiancee and my kids have been such an anchor in my preparations and so important to me that everything now means so much more."

In the early days of his ban, Stevens set his sights on playing for England again at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and he is on course to do so. Stevens, who will start at loose-head today but prefers tight-head, will link up with England Saxons for the Churchill Cup on Monday.

Leicester: S Hamilton; H Agulla, M Smith, A Allen, A Tuilagi; T Flood, B Youngs; M Ayerza, G Chuter, M Castrogiovanni, S Mafi, G Skivington, T Croft, C Newby (capt), J Crane. Subs: R Hawkins, B Stankovich, D Cole, E Slater, T Waldrom, J Grindal, J Staunton, B Twelvetrees.

Saracens: A Goode; D Strettle, C Wyles, B Barritt, J Short; O Farrell, N de Kock; M Stevens, S Brits, C Nieto, S Borthwick (capt), M Botha, K Brown, J Burger, E Joubert. Subs: J George, R Gill, P du Plessis, H Vyvyan, A Saull, R Wigglesworth, N Mordt, N Cato.

Referee: W Barnes (RFU).