Jacques O’Neill, a former Love Island contestant, has been handed a lifeline for a return to rugby league.
Rugby league side Cumbria have contacted the former Castleford hooker, intending to lure him back to the sport.
The 23-year-old had previously been touted as a potential star of the game, before quitting Castleford for a stint in the reality show.
Unfortunately, after only 37 days in the villa, O'Neill departed - citing mental health issues as his reasoning.
Love Island star Jacques O’Neill offered rugby league return https://t.co/zLaWpmqxRM
— The Independent (@Independent) September 20, 2022
As reported by The Independent, Cumbria coach Paul Crarey told BBC Radio Cumbria: “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.”
Castleford still retains the 23-year-old’s registration but he has been offered the chance to represent his county against Jamaica in a World Cup warm-up match at Workington on October 7.
O’Neill joined the most recent series of Love Island as a "bombshell" and coupled up with paramedic Paige Thorne.
After leaving the villa, O’Neill spoke about being diagnosed with ADHD, while also confirming that he had begun therapy.
However, he was also accused by fellow contestant Remi Lambert of bullying behaviour while inside the villa, later apologising if his actions had "caused offence".
