Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Studying key to success for Keinhorst
One of four brothers who played in the same Germany rugby league national side in an international, thus obtaining a place in the famous Guinness Book of Records, he recently became the first German international to make his debut in Super League - for Leeds Rhinos at Wakefield - and score, touching down on his home bow against Widnes in early August.
The current Leeds Metropolitan University student came late to the sport, turning out for the University's rugby league team coached by ex- Leeds professional Paul Fletcher who recommended him to the Rhinos. Although raw, he has worked exceptionally hard and come through the under 20's ranks over the last couple of years at Headingley Carnegie, earning the right to be given a shot at the big time.
Jimmy has just completed the second year of a Sport & Exercise Science degree while previously turning out for Heidelberger RL in Germany, where he was part of the team that won the 2010 German Bundesliga, and the University of Queensland in Australia. He has also represented England Students, who he won the Four Nations Tournament with and Great Britain Students, with whom he garnered victory in the Academic Ashes.
Speaking about his studies, Jimmy said: "Studying at Leeds Met has been great for me and I definitely would not have got the chances I have had in rugby league without the close ties between the University and the Rhinos. Paul Fletcher, our coach at Leeds Met, recommended me to the Rhinos and they signed me from there so it has all happened very quickly. I am going into my Final year for my Sports Science degree and I know it is going to be tough but it is something the Rhinos are fully supportive of. I am excited about the opportunities I have at the Rhinos but I also want to finish with a strong degree after three years hard work so it will be a busy time."
"I have enjoyed my first two years immensely but it is the third year that is all important and that is my focus now. I think it will be the second semester when the pressure will come on with the Rhinos just gearing up for the new season and my degree building up but I am confident I can cope and I enjoy a challenge. "
His links to Leeds Metropolitan go beyond his studies and sporting exploits, his father Wolfgang recently retired from the university where he was a senior lecturer in the School of Languages.
Leeds Met's rugby league team are a real force in the student game and have been crowned National Champions for the past seven seasons. Their first team were winners of the Super 8s last year while the second's topped the BUCS Northern Premier League.
Alongside Jimmy, others who have gone on to play professionally after university include; Adam Scott and sought-after Alex Walmsley at Batley Bulldogs, Keighley's Neil Cherryholme and Jason Mossop who is on the books at recently promoted Workington Town.