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England's squad have been bonding over Love Island, but the show is now taking an Irish rugby twist
By Liam Heagney
England’s fascination with watching TV’s Love Island as a way of bonding their squad as they prepare for the World Cup finals in Japan is set to have an intriguing rugby twist.
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It was last week when Tom Curry let slip that the reality TV show had become regular viewing in the England camp, the back row revealing: “There’s also been a lot of Love Island. We’ve been watching it together as a team and everyone is pretty keen on it.
“When we’ve been together on Sundays at camps over the last two weeks we have thought ‘why not?’. It’s a good way to get together with the new lads coming into camp for that week. It’s been pretty funny!
“The eager Love Island fans in the squad talk about it, but I just think it’s funny to watch. I was more keen on it last year.”
Curry might suddenly be keener on the 2019 edition now that a new addition to Love Island is Ireland sevens player Greg O’Shea, who is arriving fresh into the show from featuring on his country’s team which finished third last Sunday in the European Olympic qualifier in Colomiers.
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Ireland beat Portugal in the bronze final, a crucial result as it meant they stayed in the hunt for a berth at next year’s Olympic Games in Toyko. That is an achievement which Limerickman O’Shea, who plays for Ireland out of the famed Shannon club, is now celebrating by joining Love Island.
The show’s website has heralded his arrival, described him as a brand new bombshell who is full of Irish charm. “As well as the rugby career, Greg is no stranger to other sports having competed in international athletics and the youth Olympics… it makes us a bit tired just thinking about it,” stated the site.
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Ireland Men’s 7s finish in 3rd Place at the Olympic Qualifier, beating Portugal 26-10.
They will compete at the World Repechage next summer to attempt to claim a place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.#IreM7s #Colomiers7s #DestinationTokyo pic.twitter.com/y4sGOJBWDT
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 14, 2019
“Aside from the sporting prowess, Greg is energetic, friendly and focussed. ‘When I have a goal in my life, nothing really gets in the way,’ he claims. Will that apply to getting his girl in the villa? We certainly hope so.
“Greg has been single for a year after two long-term relationships. He likes a girl who’s confident, but not cocky – but he won’t be keen if they take too many selfies.
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“Greg is definitely a loyal guy. ‘I’ve always been a one girl kind of guy… if I see a girl, I tend to fall for her hard.’ Could one of our Islanders be a soft landing?
“His worst traits are that he’s a bit of a clean freak and has an argumentative side that could come out in the villa. ‘I struggle to bite my tongue.’
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“Our Irish fella thinks Maura is funny and gorgeous and is pretty sure they will get on, claiming: ‘Me and Maura will hit it off straight away.’ We’re here for that craic, Greg!”
O’Shea became a new Rugby Players’ Ireland board member last April, joining chairman Rob Kearney on their executive.
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