A LOVE Island star is returning to professional rugby nearly a year after his stint on the reality dating show.

Walney-born Jacques O’Neill has re-signed for the Castleford Tigers on an initial contract until the end of 2023.

He previously played for the Fords from 2019 to 2022, before appearing on ITVs Love Island.

Jacques has spoken about his pleasure to be returning to the rugby league and the Castleford Tigers.

He 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.”

Jacques is thankful to the club and its supporters for the level of support given to him after he left the Love Island villa last summer.

“The support from the Cas fans when I left the show was absolutely massive to me,” said Jacques. “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.”

When asked about Jacques’ return, newly appointed Fords Head Coach Andy Last claimed that he’s happy to have him back on board.

He said: “He’s 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.”