Irish rugby player Conor Phillips joins Love Island lineup

Irish rugby player Conor Phillips has been unveiled as the replacement for Kyle Ashman in the launch lineup for this year’s Love Island.

Ashman, 23, was dropped by ITV less than 24 hours after being announced as one of the new Islanders following the revelation that he had been arrested on suspicion of a machete attack in February.

Police subsequently released Ashman without charge and he has vehemently protested his innocence, but nevertheless ITV decided to withdraw him from the show.

Now his replacement has been confirmed as Limerick native Phillips, 25, who plays as a winger in the Ireland Sevens team.

Asked about his ideal partner, he replied: “Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don’t mind a dominant woman.”

“I  don’t like to answer to anyone else,” he added. “I like to do my own thing. It’s something I’m working on for a relationship. Hopefully I’ve improved!”

Love Island launches Monday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.