Jacques O’Neill would be welcomed back into rugby league after Love Island

Love Islander Jacques O’Neill would be welcomed back into rugby league following his stint on the hit reality TV show. 

The 23-year-old entered the villa on Sunday night as a bombshell after securing his release from Super League club Castleford.

Last Friday, the Tigers confirmed they had agreed to release the hooker from his contract to allow him to appear on Love Island.

Castleford have the first option to re-sign O’Neill should he wish to return to rugby league after the show.

Kyle Amor: There will always be a place in rugby league for Jacques O’Neill

Warrington prop Kyle Amor says he would welcomed back into the sport with open arms should he wish to do so.

When asked by Sky Sports if he’d been watching the popular ITV show, Amor replied: “I haven’t but there is a hardcore fanbase of Love Islanders here at Warrington!

“It dominates most conversations in a morning but I’m showing my age now. You know it is probably time to nearly start retiring when you are out of those conversations!

“It depends on how well he does (if he wants to return to rugby league). A number of those sort of reality TV stars go on to have successful careers elsewhere.

“Our game will always welcome him back with open arms. Fair play to the man, he is trying something different and life is for living after all.”

O’Neill has made more than 30 career appearances since making his Super League debut for Castleford in 2019.

The hooker hails from Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. He moved to West Yorkshire when he was picked up by Castleford as a youngster.

O’Neill has also enjoyed loan spells in the Championship with Leigh Centurions and Halifax Panthers. In April 2021, he was named in the England Knights Performance Squad.

O’Neill is the first professional rugby league player to enter the Love Island villa.

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