20 April 2023 , 18:30
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Jacques O'Neill has re-signed for Castleford Tigers after his Love Island adventure.
The hooker/loose forward, 23, spent four years with the club before being released last June so he could appear on the hit ITV2 reality show. However, O'Neill left Love Island early on Day 37 citing mental health reasons and he mentioned in February how he was hoping to return to rugby league. It is thought Castleford had first option for his services and he has now penned a deal with them initially until the end of this season.
O'Neill, who came through the club's academy and scored three tries in 29 appearances, said: “I just can’t wait to be back playing the sport I love again and being back around the ground with the boys. 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.”
O'Neill will not link up with Castleford - who have won just twice this term - until May 2 due to prior work commitments. He added: “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.”
O'Neill in action for Castleford prior to his Love Island stint (Getty Images)
He had been dogged by a serious hamstring injury when he left for Love Island and his last appearance in a Castleford shirt was in September 2021. O'Neill admitted: "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!”
O'Neill's return is also a boost for Andy Last, who was confirmed yesterday as Castleford's new head coach after a six-week period in interim charge. He said: "Jacques is a player who I’ve spent a little bit of time with before his appearance on Love Island. He’s a bubbly character and I’ve had the privilege of coaching against him. He’s 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’s got qualities that I like in a player so I’m looking forward to having Jacques on board.”
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