Jacques O'Neill at Bailey Studio

Most people know Jacques O'Neill from Love Island Series 8. What they might not know is the journey that brought him to that point, and where he's heading next.

From the Rugby Pitch to the Screen

Jacques came through the Castleford Tigers academy as a teenager. He played hooker and loose forward in Super League, was named in the England Knights performance squad, and was building a serious career in professional rugby league. Then injuries hit. Hamstring problems kept him off the pitch, and during that downtime, an opportunity came up that would change everything.

In June 2022, Castleford released him from his contract to appear on Love Island. He entered the villa on Day 7 as Gemma Owen's ex-boyfriend, coupled up with Paige Thorne, and became one of the most talked-about contestants of the series. On Day 37, he made the decision to leave for his mental health. It was honest, it was brave, and it showed a side of him that the public hadn't seen before.

What Came After

The post-show period wasn't easy. Jacques has been open about the impact of public scrutiny, the death threats, and the mental health challenges that followed. He's spoken publicly about living with ADHD and how it affects his day-to-day life. Rather than retreating, he used it as fuel.

He went back to rugby, signing with Castleford again in 2023 before moving to York Knights in 2025. But alongside the rugby, something else was building. Jacques was training harder than ever, his physique was developing beyond what rugby demanded, and he was moving into the fitness space with real intent. He's not just a reality TV personality who happens to be fit. He's an athlete transitioning into the fitness industry, with ambitions to become one of the top coaches in the game.

The Shoot

Jacques came to the studio in Nottingham to build out his fitness portfolio. The goal was simple: images that show the athlete, not the reality TV character. He carries himself like a sportsman. There's a physicality to the way he moves that comes from years of professional rugby, and it translates well in front of the camera.

We shot a mix of gym work and studio portraits. Jacques was easy to direct. He knew what he wanted and he trusted the process. The results speak for themselves.

What's Next for Jacques

Jacques is building something. The rugby career gave him discipline. Love Island gave him a platform. Now he's combining both with a serious push into fitness coaching and content. With nearly a million followers and the athletic background to back it up, he's positioning himself as more than just another influencer with a six-pack. He's an athlete with a story, and that story is still being written.

If you're looking to build your fitness brand with professional imagery, find out how we work with coaches and trainers, or get in touch to discuss your shoot.