Jacques O'Neil has walked out of the Love Island villa and will not be returning.
The rugby player, 23, has decided to leave sunny Spain and love interest Paige Thorne, who he has endured a rocky relationship with after his Casa Amor antics.
While the exact details of why Jacques has quit the ITV2 dating show remain unclear, all will be revealed when he gathers his fellow Islanders round the fire pit in tonight's explosive episode.
A Love Island spokesperson said: "Jacques has made the decision to leave the Villa. He will explain his reasons to the Islanders during tonight's episode. We fully support his decision and look forward to seeing what’s next for Jacques."
Jacques shocked his rugby bosses when he announced he was putting his career on hold - with one admitting he couldn't understand the decision.
Before he went into the villa, Jacques claimed he came to a realisation about his love life after being kept on the sidelines by a horror injury.
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Before going into the villa, Jacques played rugby for Castleford Tigers as either a hooker or loose forward and made his Super League debut in March 2019.
After making 11 appearances in his breakthrough season, 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.
He signed a fresh two-year deal last summer but only made six appearances after being hampered by a persistent hamstring injury.
When asked why he was joining Love Island now, he said: "I had injury after injury with my hamstring last year. I had an operation and it was a bad time for me.
"I was saying to my mum the other day that I want a girl and to settle down. I've done all my bits."
The door has been left open for Jacques to return to Castelford as they have first option to re-sign him if he decides to resume his rugby league career.
But he could also choose to walk away from the sport he loves and pursue a career as an influencer.
After coupling up with Paige for the first time, Jacques seemingly gave away what he was planning for his future during a private conversation.
"When we play on a Friday night we get the weekend off, so when I have a Friday game I'll drive straight to Wales and have the weekend with you," he said.
This would suggest that a return to the rugby pitch is on the cards for Jacques now that he has left the villa.
Jacques had previously spoken about his injury woes back in November last year - admitting it was a struggle being sat at home.
He told castlefordtigers.com: "The operation all went well down in London. I had to have my hamstring re-attached and at the moment I am just resting at the minute really, just doing a bit of rehab every day.
"I am not doing too much just to let it heal, I’m just taking every day as it comes at the minute. I have been practicing extending my knee and making sure I can do that properly and then I got my leg brace off.
"I was on crutches and moving forward hopefully I can start doing a bit more."
Thankfully, Jacques received a lot of support from his teammates and was able to stay in high spirits while he began rehab work.
"I don't know how many of the boys have messaged me. People were ringing me that much that I wasn't able to answer," he added.
"All the boys texting me asking if everything is alright and that makes you feel good when you are a bit down."
Castleford Tigers boss Lee Radford confessed he was surprised when Jacques revealed he was going into the Love Island villa.
"When it comes to leaving contracts, I’ve had a couple of players saying they are going into rehab," he told the Daily Star last month.
"I’ve had a couple more saying they’re retiring and going down a different route. But I have genuinely never had anyone sit me down and tell me they’re going into Love Island! It’s a first.
"Obviously, it was shock originally. But I am not on social media and I am probably not down with the kids at the minute. Financially I’m led to believe there’s far more benefits in that career path than there is in rugby league, unfortunately."
Radford did not try to talk Jacques out of the decision - and there is a possibilty that he could re-sign for the club now he has left the show.
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."
*Love Island airs tonight on ITV2 at 9pm
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