Northern | US

Rising Waratah suspended for using ADHD medication without exemption

Henry O'Donnell of the Waratahs charges forward during the round 16 Super Rugby Pacific match between Blues and NSW Waratahs at Eden Park, on May 31, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Comments
Comment

The NSW Waratahs are standing by Henry O’Donnell after the talented centre accepted an 18-month ban for an anti-doping violation.

ADVERTISEMENT

The former junior Wallaby’s ineligibility started on July 1 last year in connection with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation issued under the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy.

The sanction as determined by Sports Integrity Australia relates to O’Donnell testing positive for D-amphetamine and ritalinic acid – two substances associated with ADHD medication – during an in-competition doping control test conducted on May 9 last year without a therapeutic use exemption.

VIDEO

The Waratahs and Rugby Australia note the SIA finding that the violation was not intentional and took place in a context unrelated to sport performance.

O’Donnell now holds a therapeutic use exemption for the medication that he has been prescribed to treat his ADHD, and will be eligible to return to play from January 1, 2027.

“Henry made an error of judgment and has paid a heavy price for that misstep,” Waratahs high-performance director B-J Mather said.

“The club has supported Henry throughout the process and we look forward to his return to Daceyville.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The 23-year-old O’Donnell has played 12 games for the Waratahs after making five appearances for the Western Force in his debut Super Rugby Pacific season in 2024.

RugbyPass App Download

News, stats, live rugby and more! Download the new RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!


Whether you’re looking for somewhere to track upcoming fixtures, a place to watch live rugby or an app that shows you all of the latest news and analysis, the RugbyPass rugby app is perfect.

Watch Super Rugby LIVE on RugbyPass TV

Tune in to every Super Rugby Pacific 2026 match live and on-demand on RugbyPass TV and via the RugbyPass app.

Watch Live
Streaming available in the USA only.
ADVERTISEMENT
Play Video
LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Long Reads

Comments on RugbyPass

Close Panel
Close Panel

Edition & Time Zone

{{current.name}}
Set time zone automatically
{{selectedTimezoneTitle}} (auto)
Choose a different time zone
Close Panel

Editions

Close Panel

Change Time Zone

Watch Super Rugby LIVE on RugbyPass TV

close

Tune in to every Super Rugby Pacific 2026 match live and on-demand on RugbyPass TV and app.

Watch Live
Streaming available in the USA only.
Copied to clipboard

Share Article close