Stephens played for the Alpha Badminton Club in Lisburn and was the Ulster and Irish U18 champion in 1976.[2] He represented Ulster at provincial level[3] and all-Ireland at international level.[4]
Stephens was an architectural technician by profession[1] and he played mixed doubles with Ann Crossan before the pair married in June 1985 at the Ballysillan Presbyterian Church in Belfast.[5] As a doubles specialist his men's doubles partners included Peter Ferguson.[6] He also continued to play mixed doubles with his wife.[7]
Stephens represented the Northern Irish team[8] at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland,[9] where he competed in the three events.[10]
Stephens played golf at a high level, winning the 2016 Donaldson Trophy.[11] Stephens took up pickleball and represented Ireland when he participated in the 2024 European Pickleball Championships.[12]