Love Island: Castleford Tigers star Jacques O’Neill heading into the villa

Castleford Tigers have released Jacques O’Neill from his contract to allow him to enter hit reality TV show Love Island. 

Love Island returned to our screens earlier this week for its eighth serious, hosted by Laura Whitmore.

Castleford have agreed to release hooker O’Neill from his contract to allow him to take up the opportunity offered to him by ITV bosses.

The West Yorkshire club have the first option to sign O’Neill should he wish to return to rugby league after the show.

READ MORE: Rugby league meets Love Island

Castleford statement on Jacques O’Neill

A club statement read: “Castleford Tigers can confirm that the club has agreed to release Jacques O’Neill from his contract to allow him to pursue another opportunity.

“The Tigers have the first option to sign O’Neill back next year should he wish to return to rugby league.

“Known for a fearless attitude on the field by Castleford supporters, the Cumbrian-born 23-year-old is a proud product of the Tigers’ youth system; having come through both our scholarship and academy programmes before making his Super League debut.

“Castleford Tigers would like to wish Jacques well with his new opportunity; and thank him for his efforts as a Tiger so far.”

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 will become the first professional rugby league player to enter the Love Island villa.

Love Island is shown on ITV2 at 9pm every night of the week, except from Saturdays.

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