Castleford Tigers hooker released from contract to enter Love Island villa

A Tiger enters the villa...

Castleford Tigers hooker Jacques O'Neill has been released from his professional rugby contract so he can enter the Love Island villa, the club have confirmed. O'Neill's arrival at the villa over the weekend caused a bit of a frenzy given reports of a past relationship with fellow contestant Gemma Owen, daughter of ex-footballer Michael Owen. In a statement, Castleford Tigers confirmed O'Neill's contract had been terminated to allow him to pursue "another opportunity."

"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 statement read. "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's Instagram account, which will now presumably be managed by an external team during his time on the show, also addressed the news, writing: "It’s official!!! Jacques has hung his boots up for love and is entering the Love Island villa." https://www.instagram.com/p/Ceo9dzGjGp_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=39b5f3c4-64c9-45a1-9fae-96bb806fc3ff Castleford's media and marketing manager Tom Maguire tweeted: "Some boy about to enter a certain villa."

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