Jun 11, 2022 - 00:33
By msn.com

Gemma Owen's ex confirmed as Yorkshire rugby star Jacques O'Neill as he enters villa

Gemma Owen's ex-boyfriend Yorkshire rugby star Jacques O'Neill has been confirmed as the latest person to enter the Love Island villa.

The Castleford Tigers ace, 23, will debut on the show this Sunday after being shown in clips promoting the new episode.

Friday night's episode (June 10) saw the islanders rocked by the first recoupling of the series, but more chaos is on the way as it ended with Gemma finding out her ex has arrived in the villa.

O'Neill is regarded as one of rugby league's best young prospects after bursting onto the scene with the Tigers as a teenager. Born in Barrow, he has already played for the England Knights and played 29 times for the Tigers.

His family confirmed the news on his personal instagram as they shared a topless snap of the beefcake on social media with the caption: "It's official!!!!! Jacques has hung his boots up for love and is entertaining the @loveisland villa. #Love #LoveIsland."

A statement released by the Tigers said: "Castleford Tigers can today 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."