Waratahs stand by Henry O'Donnell after 18-month ban for ADHD medication violation

Henry O’Donnell, the 23-year-old NSW Waratahs centre, has accepted an 18-month ban after testing positive for D-amphetamine and ritalinic acid — substances associated with ADHD medication — during an in-competition doping control test on 9 May 2024. The sanction, determined by Sports Integrity Australia under the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy, began on 1 July 2024, leaving O’Donnell ineligible to play until 1 January 2027.

SIA found that the anti-doping rule violation was not intentional and occurred in a context unrelated to sport performance. O’Donnell had not held a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for the prescribed medication at the time of the test. He has since obtained a TUE for the ADHD treatment.

The Waratahs and Rugby Australia both acknowledged the SIA finding, and the club confirmed it has supported O’Donnell throughout the process. Waratahs high-performance director B-J Mather said the centre had paid a significant price for the oversight.

“Henry made an error of judgment and has paid a heavy price for that misstep,” Mather said. “The club has supported Henry throughout the process and we look forward to his return to Daceyville.”

O’Donnell, a former junior Wallaby, has made 17 Super Rugby appearances in total — five for the Western Force during his debut season in 2024 and 12 for the Waratahs since joining the Sydney-based franchise. Despite the lengthy suspension, the club’s public backing signals their intention to reintegrate him into the squad once he is cleared to return.