June 13, 2026 — 10:26amRising Waratahs star Henry O’Donnell has been serving an 18-month suspension for an anti-doping rule violation after testing positive to two prohibited substances in 2025.O’Donnell, 23, who emerged as a starting centre for Waratahs last year, received the sanction from Sports Integrity Australia after returning an in-competition positive result for D-amphetamine and Ritalinc Acid after a Waratahs game against the Reds on May 9.Henry O’Donnell celebrates for the WaratahsGetty ImagesThe substances are associated with ADHD medication but O’Donnell didn’t have a Therapeutic Use Exemption for the medication at the time, according to a statement from Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs. He has subsequently been formally diagnosed with ADHD and has an exemption for the medication.Sports Integrity Australia are set to hand down their official findings next week, but RA said the investigation had determined O’Donnell’s violation was not done in the pursuit of performance enhancement.“Rugby Australia and the Waratahs note the SIA finding that the violation was not intentional and took place in a context unrelated to sport performance,” the release said.“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 1 January 2027.”Henry O’Donnell in action for Norths in the 2024 Shute Shield grand final.© Karen Watson for Sydney Rugby UnionO’Donnell played out the 2025 season for the Waratahs, and also featured in the NSW team in the tour match against the British and Irish Lions on July 5.He was provisionally suspended by SIA in September, which saw him stood down from all training and contact with the Waratahs and Australian rugby. The Waratahs have explained O’Donnell’s absence this season as the rookie was taking a break from rugby.“Henry made an error of judgment and has paid a heavy price for that misstep,” Waratahs director of high-performance Barrie-Jon Mather said in the release.Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Jack Bowen and Henry O’Donnell of the Waratahs celebrate a victory last year.Getty Images“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 emerged as a star for Norths in the Shute Shield competition.O’Donnell made his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force in 2024 and played five games, but returned to his home state to play in 2025.Under coach Dan McKellar, O’Donnell played 12 games at centre for the Waratahs and was rewarded for his strong form with a two-year contract extension in April.Iain Payten is a senior sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.From our partners