Rising Waratahs star suspended for ‘unintentional’ doping violation
Rising Waratahs star Henry O’Donnell is serving an 18-month suspension for anti-doping rule breaches after testing positive for two banned substances in 2025.
O’Donnell, 23, who emerged as the Waratahs’ starting center last year, received sanctions from Sports Integrity Australia after testing positive in-competition for D-amphetamine and Ritalinc Acid following the Waratahs’ match against the Reds on May 9.
According to a statement from Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs, the substances are related to ADHD medication but O’Donnell did not have a Therapeutic Use Exemption for the medication at the time. He was later officially diagnosed with ADHD and was released from medication.
Sports Integrity Australia will release its official findings next week, but the RA said its investigation determined O’Donnell’s breach was not for performance enhancement purposes.
“Rugby Australia and the Waratahs note that the SIA has found that the breach was not intentional and occurred in a context unrelated to sporting performance,” the statement said.
“O’Donnell now has a Therapeutic Use Exemption for medications prescribed to him to treat his ADHD and will be able to return to play beginning January 1, 2027.”
O’Donnell played the 2025 season for the Waratahs and was also named in the NSW squad for the tour match against the British and Irish Lions on 5 July.
He was provisionally suspended by the SIA in September, which saw him give up all training and contact with the Waratahs and Australian rugby. The Waratahs explained O’Donnell’s absence this season as a result of the rookie taking a break from rugby.
“Henry made an error of judgment and paid dearly for that misstep,” Waratah’s high performance director Barrie-Jon Mather said in the statement.
“The club has supported Henry throughout the process and we look forward to his return.”
O’Donnell was a schoolboy star from St Ignatius College who went on to play for the Junior Wallabies in 2023 and has emerged as a star for Norths in the Shute Shield competition.
O’Donnell made his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force in 2024, playing five matches, but returned home to play in 2025.
Under manager Dan McKellar, O’Donnell played 12 games at center for the Waratahs and was rewarded for his strong form with a two-year contract extension in April.
Iain Payten is senior sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect with: X or email.
