Shamed Stevens has let us all down, says shocked Bath boss

Bath say they feel "let down" by their England prop Matt Stevens following his public confession that he failed a drugs test.

Stevens, who said the drug was recreational, faces a two-year ban following his positive test after the Heineken Cup game against Glasgow last month.

The 26-year-old admitted yesterday he was struggling with "a very serious substance", and is suspended by England and his club, who are preparing for Sunday's crunch European clash against Toulouse.

Bath chief executive Bob Calleja fronted a brief news conference today and admitted: "I was absolutely shocked.

"It is devastating news - something we could have done without. We all feel let down." Reading from a prepared statement, Calleja added: "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. 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.

"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."

Stevens last year agreed a new four-year deal with Bath having started his career there in 2002.