Racing 92 have launched a staunch defence of Dan Carter, Joe Rokocoko and Juan Imhoff after the trio reportedly gave drug tests which showed anomalies earlier this year.
French newspaper L'Equipe claims "traces of corticosteroids" were found in the urine samples produced by the Racing trio when all players were tested by the French anti-doping agency ahead of June's Top 14 final.
Simon Porter, who represents Rokocoko and Carter, has since clarified the pair had therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) in place, meaning they were allowed to take prescribed medicines.
Racing have released a statement in which they say the trio did not need TUEs, and add: "All medical procedures carried out on the players cited by the media were in full respect of the national and international anti-doping rules, both on administrative and medical levels".
The club further says they will cooperate with any medical investigations, has nothing to do with "illegal practises" and will be "totally transparent".
Racing understand the "stir" caused by the word steroid but says they can correspond to "known, legal practises that are justified by medicine". They add "health and morality" are two "essential requirements" of being part of the team.
Referencing Carter, Rokocoko and Imhoff, the club say they are "everyday examples of behaviour, generosity and ethics".
The Racing 92 statement in full:
"An investigation involving Racing 92 players is today the subject of diverse comments. At the centre of the comments, the alleged use of steroids. Racing 92 would like to bring to the attention of lovers of the club, or rugby, and of sport in general, three comments:
1. We understand the stir caused by the word 'steroid'. This word has strong emotional resonance as it may correspond to immoral and illegal behaviour. It can also correspond to known, legal practices that are justified by medicine.
Its use in public should be controlled, and come with immense precaution as the damage may also leave traces if the subject was classified.
2. Racing 92 wants to affirm with the strongest force that its ethics, its sporting practice, has nothing to do with illegal practices. We are on the side of law, ethics and love of values of a clean sport. We do not shape players, we shape men. Health and morality are two essential requirements.
3. All medical procedures carried out on the players cited by the media were in full respect of the national and international anti-doping rules, both on administrative and medical levels. These treatments administered by a qualified channel, provided in response to proven illnesses, several days before the Top 14 final and not requiring a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption).
Racing 92 engages in collaboration will all authorities in a competent medical investigation to calm the debate and so that a full understanding is brought to the knowledge of all.
All medical procedures are clear.
Transparency will be total.
We are with alongside who are fighting for a clean and respectful sport. Juan Imhoff, Joe Rokococo and Dan Carter are everyday examples of behaviour, generosity and ethics."