Matt Stevens delighted by "amazing" recall

Matt Stevens has spoken of his delight at being recalled to the England squad following a drugs ban.

The Saracens prop has been included in Martin Johnson's provisional 40-man World Cup squad having served a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine in 2009.

"For me and my family it is an amazing story and one I'm very happy turned out well," the 28-year-old told BBC Sport.

"I know what a special, amazing feeling it is to play for England. I know how important it is to me."

England will play warm-up matches against Wales and Ireland before kicking off their World Cup campaign against Argentina on Saturday, September 10 in Dunedin.