Castleford Tigers have revealed Jacques O'Neill has quit the club to 'pursue another opportunity' with the 23-year-old set to join ITV reality show Love Island.
O'Neill was teased on Friday night's episode of the hit show and is set to debut on the programme on Sunday evening.
The Cumbrian star, who can operate at either hooker or loose forward, made his Super League debut in March 2019 against Hull KR and notched his first try later that season against London Broncos.
After making 11 appearances in his breakthrough campaign, he penned a new one-year deal and made a further 12 appearances in 2020, scoring two tries and being voted as League Express Young Player of the Year.
Last summer, O'Neill signed a fresh two-year deal at Wheldon Road but was hampered by a persistent hamstring injury, limiting him to just six appearances and seeing him miss the 2021 Challenge Cup final.
Castleford have first option to re-sign O'Neill if he decides to resume his rugby league career after his reality TV venture.
In a statement, the Tigers said: "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.
"The Tigers would also like to say a big thank you to Russells who have sponsored Jacques O’Neill throughout his time at the club."
In an interesting twist, O'Neill is the ex of Michael Owen's daughter Gemma who is also appearing in this year's edition of Love Island.
