It wouldn't be Love Island without someone saying rugby boys aren't their type and then swiftly coupling up with a rugby boy. Enter this year's stock athlete, Conor Phillips, who is already turning heads. And bonus points, he's Irish too.
Now that Love Island season 12 has started, if you're already keen to know more about Conor – including who he plays rugby for, where he's from and the type of lady he's looking for on the show – then you've come to the right place. Here's everything there is to know about the new Love Island star, who can expect to take part in a shaken up version of the show this summer.
Who is Conor Phillips?
Conor is an Irish rugby player looking for love in the villa this summer. In the opening episode of the new season, 29-year-old Helena Ford who famously doesn't date rugby players ended up picking Conor, when she actually wanted to choose 30-year-old Harry Cooksley.
Host Maya Jama looked surprised by her choice, saying: 'Helena, you're with Conor, I thought you didn't like rugby players?' Helena replied: 'I know but nobody else wants to swap. Does anyone want to swap? I don't want the 25-year-old. He's a bit too young.'
How old is Conor Phillips?
He's 25 years old.
Where is Conor Phillips from?
Conor has flown over to the Spanish island from Limerick in Ireland.
Who does Conor Phillips play rugby for?
Conor has been playing rugby for many years and it's something he is very passionate about (at least according to his social media). He's played for the Irish national team several times from the under 18s squad to professional level.
He recently represented Ireland at the World Rugby seven's tournament where he spent time in Singapore and LA. As well as playing for Ireland, Conor plays for Young Munster, representing Limerick.
Did Conor Phillips receive advice from Love Island winner Greg O'Shea?
Love Island season five winner Greg O'Shea is also an Irish rugby player who has appeared on the dating show, so naturally he had some advice for Conor. 'I spoke to Greg and he just said, "Be yourself. It's a really, really, really cool experience that not many people get, so enjoy it and take it day by day. And if you be yourself, you can't really go too far out," Conor told Closer. Adding, 'He was like, "My advice might be a bit different because I won."'
Does Conor Phillips have social media?
Yes, you can keep up with Conor on Instagram at @cpeezy. He regularly shares pictures from music festivals, rugby training and holidays around the world.
What's Conor's type on Love Island?
Conor says he's looking for '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'.
In his bio, which helped the girls decide which boy they wanted to pic, Conor wrote, 'I've scored worldies on and off the pitch, but now I'm here to find the one.'
When is Love Island on?
Season 12 of the hit ITV dating show kicked off on 9 June and is on at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX every day of the week except Saturdays.
Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).