Jacques O'Neill has been offered a way back into rugby.
Jacques O'Neill offered rugby return
The former 'Love Island' star quit Castleford Tigers to join the ITV2 dating show line-up earlier this summer, but he has now been given the chance to represent his native Cumbria against Jamaica in a World Cup warm-up match on October 7th.
Speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria, Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: "Jacques is definitely a Cumbrian and he would be an option if he wanted to play.
"He would probably bring people in to watch and raise the profile of Cumbrian rugby league."
Jacques - who was born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria - quit 'Love Island' before the end of the series because he wasn't feeling himself on the show.
Following Jacques' show exit in July, the star was offered support from his former rugby league club's Welfare Officer.
A tweet on Castleford Tigers' official Twitter account read: "Castleford Tigers can confirm that today, Jacques O’Neill has been in communication with the club, visited our First Team ahead of today’s training session and that O’Neill can receive support from our Welfare Officer should he wish."
Castleford also admitted they were looking forward to welcoming Jacques and his mother to a game "very soon".
A statement on their official website read: "In advance of appearing on the reality TV show Love Island, the Tigers’ Welfare Officer had communication with O’Neill, and this support will continue to be offered to him. Alongside the welcoming nature of our First Team environment, of which he has been a part since the age of 16.
"Castleford Tigers’ primary focus with Jacques at this stage will be to support him. All at the club look forward to welcoming Jacques and his mother Janet to The Mend-A-Hose Jungle for a Betfred Super League match very soon, to cheer on the Fords.
"The Club will make no further comment at this stage."
In June, Castleford revealed Jacques had been released from his contract ahead of his 'Love Island' appearance, but they had the first option to sign the hooker back if he wanted to return to the sport.
A statement read: "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 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."
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