"How distracting it will be, we will tell at five o’clock on Sunday. We are going to beat Toulouse."

Stevens decided to reveal the news himself in an emotional televised interview last night, during which he confessed to having developed a problem with drugs.

Calleja would not comment on whether the club knew about Stevens’ intention to go public, merely stating: "It was an interview that was arranged by Matt."

But Calleja also underlined Bath’s general stance, adding: "This is a very serious matter.

"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."

Stevens joined Bath in 2002 but is now fighting to salvage his career for club and country, while hopes of touring South Africa - the land of his birth - with the British and Irish Lions later this year appear slim, at best.

Having been informed of the failed test, Stevens now has three options; request his B-sample to be tested, ask for a judicial committee to rule whether there has been an anti-doping violation or accept an anti-doping violation has occurred and go before an independent judicial hearing.

Under International Rugby Board doping regulations, the maximum ban for a first violation is two years.

If a player can successfully establish the use of such a specified substance was not intended to enhance sporting performance though, the sanction would range between a warning and a one-year ban.

Duncan Bell is now poised to wear Stevens’ familiar number three shirt against Toulouse, and Bath head coach Steve Meehan does not believe his players will be distracted by off-the-field events.

Meehan said: "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.

"I am absolutely convinced the guys will focus on the game and give Toulouse a hard afternoon."

Asked specifically about the Stevens episode, Meehan added: "It is something a little bit different to handle.

"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."