Matt Stevens is back to his best now he’s 20 stones!

Matt Stevens says piling on the pounds and a change of positions has contributed to him enjoying one of his best seasons.
But the 30-year-old Saracens prop star refuses to countenance a return to Test rugby with England.
Stevens has thrived after last summer’s switch to tighthead, helping Sarries top the Premiership standings with five rounds remaining.
And he explained how adding seven kilos, taking him to exactly 20st in old money, has created a much more fearsome competitor.
“Saracens wanted me to be a little bit heavier and gaining weight has certainly helped my game,” Stevens told The Rugby Paper.
“I carry it pretty well and it certainly hasn’t slowed me down. I feel I’m a better player and changing position has helped, too.
“When I came back from my ban in 2011 I was playing out of position for a year at loosehead, but tighthead is my best position. I played there before at Bath and it’s the position I know best, so playing there week-in, week-out has been great for me.
“Playing loosehead detracted from my rugby, but I’m playing well now and am really enjoying this season in a fantastic team.” But, as for an England U-turn, Stevens explained: “Un-retiring does happen but it’s not on the cards.
“I’m really happy with the way things have gone for England but there’s no point debating ifs and buts, I’m just pleased the boys are doing well.”
While Saracens home in on a potential second Premiership title in three years, Stevens is casting an entrepreneurial eye to the future.
He already owns two Bath coffee shops in partnership with recently retired hooker Lee Mears, but is branching into property with Sarries colleague Brad Barritt.
“Brad and I are setting up a website business – Bedrooms & Bellhops – which is a nice idea involving London property and short-term letting,” said Stevens. “You can’t retire on rugby and it’s important to plan for life after it.”
NEALE HARVEY