The REAL reason Love Island’s Jacques broke up with Gemma Owen – and why he won’t EVER get back with her

AFTER their year-long relationship ended in the summer of 2020, Jacques O'Neill and Gemma Owen were reunited for the first time in the Love Island villa.

Despite the potential for it to be awkward, the pair have appeared to put their break-up behind them without any bad blood.

Gemma even gave Jacques her blessing to crack on with Paige - who he got intimate with in the Hideaway last night.

But their flirty banter has upset Gemma's jealous partner Luca, forcing the 19-year-old to rule out ever going back.

Rugby league ace Jacques - who was close to Michael Owen - split with Gemma after taking up a spot in Super League club, Castleford Tigers.

It forced the couple into a long-distance relationship as they lived 75 miles apart - a two-hour drive - between Leeds and Cheshire.

A close pal of Jacques told The Sun: "Jacques was really focussed on his rugby career. Even though he was in a relationship with Gemma, he didn't want to let that stop him from taking the chance to play for Leeds.

"He moved two hours away from where she lives in Cheshire. Things between them went downhill pretty quickly while trying long-distance. They didn't last long after that."

Some fans are convinced Jacques went into Love Island to win Gemma back.

But Jacques pal has revealed the real reason why that would never happen - and it's not because of his relationship with Paige.

They added: "Jacques wouldn’t dare get back with Gemma because all the rugby boys would give him too much stick."

Jacques made his professional debut aged 20 and has so far played 29 times for Castleford in West Yorkshire.

In April last year, the 23-year-old was selected for England Knights Performance squad, which helps transition talented players into the full national setup.

A serious injury has force Jacques out of the game for the moment.

He hasn't played for around a year after needing a hamstring re-attachment surgery.

Jacques has been released from his Castleford contract while in Love Island, but he's expected to push for a return to rugby in the near future.