But Dallaglio, who quit as England captain on Monday, said he had not touched drugs since, and had never dealt in them.

He told a news conference at rugby union headquarters in Twickenham: "I bitterly regret experimenting and although it was a long time ago I want the message today to be that I am totally anti-drugs.

"I have been foolish and naive and I will always regret the effect that this has had on everyone."

'Fabrication'

The News of the World had reported that the Wasps flanker had said he both took drugs and dealt in drugs. But Dallaglio, 26, said he had been "naive and foolish" in following a line of questioning instigated by the undercover reporters.

Dallaglio: Parental responsibility

"I lied to these people. I made up stories to impress these people. A lot of it was fabrication and I'm sure a lot of what they said was fabrication," he said.

Dallaglio claimed the News of the World reporters had pretended to be potential sponsors from an advertising agency representing Gillette UK, and provided headed notepaper and business cards as part of the sting.

"I did lie during the course of discussions with reporters but I can give you no sensible justification for doing it. I feel totally humiliated and want to acknowledge that now," he said.

Dallaglio said that - as the father of two young children - he was well aware of how bad drugs could be.

"All I can do now is act in the most honourable way for the good of the England rugby team and the good of my family," he said.