Ex-St Helens man Jamie Foster slams Castleford Tigers star Jacques O’Neill’s decision to enter Love Island

To not realise that Castleford Tigers forward Jacques O’Neill had gone into the Love Island villa, you would probably be living under a rock.

The Cumbrian-born 23-year-old has swapped the Jungle life for the red hot sun in an exotic location to find love this summer, with the rugby league fraternity looking on with great interest.

Of course, O’Neill is Gemma Owen’s ex-boyfriend – and Gemma herself is the daughter of footballing hero Michael Owen – and he was seen on television screens last night as he entered the villa.

With the nuggety forward enjoying a stellar rise to the Tigers first-team, Castleford fans have been sad to see O’Neill go, particularly when someone with his drive and tenacity could have been vital in what has been a difficult season for the West Yorkshire side so far in 2022.

Whilst a number of people – including the Castleford club and its supporters – have been supportive, the same cannot be said of former St Helens and Bradford Bulls winger Jamie Foster.

The 31-year-old made 54 appearances for Saints between 2010 and 2012 and then 35 for Bradford, but also had spells at the likes of Huddersfield Giants and Hull FC.

However, he was less than impressed with O’Neill’s decision to go onto Love Island, tweeting: “Imagine the s**t I’d have got if I walked out on Saints and went on Love Island when I was 20! I’d still be getting hate to this day!”

Imagine the shit I'd of got if I walked out on Saints and went on love island when I was 20! I'd still be getting hate to this day! 🤣🤣🙈🙈

— Jamie foster (@jamiefoster22) June 12, 2022