Jacques O'Neill Could Head Back To Rugby Career After Leaving Love Island

Former Love Island contestant Jacques O'Neill could continue his rugby career with his former club after leaving the reality series this week.

The 23-year-old used to play the hooker position for the Castleford Tigers before heading to the villa in search of love this summer.

The club confirmed last month that they had released Jacques from his contract 'to allow him to pursue another opportunity' after his arrival on the behemoth dating series was first teased.

Sky Sports reports that the Super League will not make further comment on whether Jacques can resume his role at Castleford after leaving the series.

However a statement directly from Castleford last month when Jacques joined the show suggested the door had not been closed.

"The Tigers have the first option to sign Jacques back next year should he wish to return to rugby league," the club said at the time.

Jacques' final scenes aired on Love Island on Tuesday evening (12 July) after ITV confirmed his departure earlier in the day.

A Love Island spokesperson said: "Jacques has made the decision to leave the Villa. He will explain his reasons to the Islanders during tonight’s episode. We fully support his decision and look forward to seeing what’s next for Jacques."

Jacques, who is originally from Cumbria, decided to leave the show following the return of bombshell Adam Collard the previous day.

Jacques spoke to Paige Thorne on the terrace about his feelings for her but being unable to be the best version of himself in the villa.

"You mean so much to me, you know that. I've been trying to put a brave face on but things are getting to me," he tearfully told Paige.

"Basically, like, I just wish I could finish my journey off with you in here, but I'm gonna go home today," he continued.

He added: "I still want you to enjoy your time in here, just do what you need to do and listen, I'll be waiting for you.

"Just do what you have to do, don't even think about me."

Paige replied: "Obviously I want you to be happy and it hurts me seeing you this way."

He broke down in tears as he gathered his fellow Islanders around the firepit to tell them about his pending departure.

"So I feel like lately, I just can't be myself so I'm trying my best but I'm not a fake person and I'm not gonna start faking things and act like I'm, okay when things inside are not okay, so I'm gonna be leaving today," he said.