Jacques O’Neill returns to professional rugby league after Love Island

Jacques O’Neill has returned to professional rugby league with his former club Castleford after having time out of the game to go on Love Island.

The 23-year-old has joined on an initial contract until the end of 2023.

O’Neill previously played for the Tigers from 2019 to 2022, making 29 appearances, before leaving the club to appear on ITV’s hit reality show, Love Island.

Castleford have confirmed that the hooker or loose forward will return to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle from May 2 due to work commitments.

He had previously hinted at his desire to return to the sport following his stint on Love Island, which saw his Instagram presence grow to more than 1.3million followers.

“I just can’t wait to be back playing the sport I love again and being back around the ground with the boys,” O’Neill said.

“Hopefully, in the near future, I’ll be back playing competitive rugby again because it’s been what I’ve been thinking about doing since I came out of Love Island.

“I’ve always wanted to play rugby again; it’s never been the case that I didn’t want to come back to it. It’s what I’ve loved doing since I was a child.”

“The support from the Cas fans when I left the show was absolutely massive to me. When I came down to The Jungle for the first time and everyone was there supporting me, it meant so much.

“I can’t thank them enough and hopefully I can get out on the field soon and repay them for that support that they’ve shown me.

“To be able to run out at a packed-out Jungle again will be a bit mad. I absolutely can’t wait to get started!”

New Castleford boss on Jacques O’Neill addition

It’s Andy Last’s first recruitment since his appointment as permanent head coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal, having previously signed Will Tate until the end of 2025 and Luis Johnson on loan as interim boss.

Castleford have claimed just two wins in nine so far in 2023, and Last is happy to see the return of the utility forward. 

“He is a player who I’ve spent a little bit of time with before his appearance on Love Island,” Last commented.

“He’s a bubbly character and I’ve had the privilege of coaching against him. He is very aggressive and he moves quickly. He’s certainly a player when he’s fit and he’s on the field he can influence a game.

“He has got qualities that I like in a player so I’m looking forward to having Jacques on board.”

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