Jimmy Keinhorst

I initially joined a rugby league team at Leeds Metropolitan University purely for the enjoyment of it. However when the opportunity arose to join the Leeds Rhinos, it was something I didn’t want to let slip away. I was fortunate enough to eventually earn a full time contract at the age of 22. My education remained an important part of my life and I was able to finish the final year of my degree alongside training and playing on a full time basis with Leeds Rhinos. I am grateful that I was able to finish my degree and for the cooperation and understanding of both the university and the club during this time. Given the nature of the game, a career can be cut short at any moment, so to have something to fall back can make things a little easier, should the worst happen. My experience also showed that there are pathways into the professional environment of rugby league for players who may develop a bit later or are taken notice of a little further down the line than the usual scholarship and academy routes.

Current club: Hull Kingston Rovers
Previous club: Leeds Rhinos
Loan and Dual Registered clubs: Wakefield Trinity, Widnes Vikings, Hunslet Hawks.