Bath dismayed by Stevens admission

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Stevens admitted he was struggling with "a very serious substance", and he is currently suspended by his club, who are preparing for a Heineken Cup clash against French giants Toulouse on Sunday that will make or break their quarter-final chances.

Bath chief executive Bob Calleja fronted a brief news conference at the club's Recreation Ground base, 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: "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.

"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.

"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."