Matt Stevens failed a drugs test following a Heineken Cup match with Glasgow in December © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Matt Stevens

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Teams: Bath Rugby | England

Bath chief executive Bob Calleja has admitted that all at the club feel "let down" after Matt Stevens' admission that he failed a drugs test.

Calleja spoke following yesterday's announcement that Stevens was battling a drug problem and failed a doping test following Bath's Heineken Cup tie with Glasgow in December.

"I was absolutely shocked. It is devastating news - something we could have done without. We all feel let down," Calleja said, reading from a prepared statement. "This week should have been all about the anticipation of a classic winner-takes-all match at the Rec.

"Instead, the headlines have been dominated by Matt Stevens."

Bath welcome Toulouse to The Rec on Sunday, with the winner progressing to the Heineken Cup quarter-finals. Calleja outlined the steps taken by Bath since they were informed of Stevens' result.

"The club was informed by ERC, the Heineken Cup organisers, on Monday evening that Matt had failed a drugs test of a sample taken after the Glasgow match on December 14," he said. "The club immediately informed Matt of this and, in accordance with International Rugby Board regulations, suspended the player, such suspension to remain in force until the disciplinary process, as laid out in the ERC competition regulations, has been completed.

"On Tuesday, Matt was interviewed by Sky Sports and admitted to having taken a banned recreational substance, consistent with the findings of the drugs test. Matt remains suspended from the club pending the completion of disciplinary processes."

Calleja emphasised the club's no-nonsense drugs policy, and then stated that there would be no further statement until disciplinary proceedings were completed.

"This is a very serious matter, and the club does not, and will not, condone the use of illegal recreational or performance-enhancing drugs by any of its employees," he said. "But it must also ensure that disciplinary processes are fairly conducted and allowed to reach their proper conclusion. Only then will the club make another public statement on the matter."

Bath boss Steve Meehan has been careful not to let the episode detract from his side's preparations for a vital game with Toulouse.

"This game has been at the back of our minds for some time. We are well aware of what is at stake and well aware of the opportunity it presents," said Meehan. "I am absolutely convinced the guys will focus on the game and give Toulouse a hard afternoon."

With regards to Stevens' issues, Meehan was diplomatic and stated that he was pleased with the manner in which the squad was handling the extra distractions.

"It is something a little bit different to handle," he said. "Life is full of all sorts of experiences. This one we are handling, and we are handling it well. I've not had any feelings towards this, to be frank.

"My concerns are with the team and preparing them. My focus will be on the guys that take the field on Sunday."