Widnes sign Leeds centre Jimmy Keinhorst on loan

Widnes have signed Germany star Jimmy Keinhorst on a four-week loan deal from Leeds.

The 27-year-old has made 80 appearances for the Rhinos, but is currently finding game time hard to come by at the Super League champions.

Keinhorst has also represented Germany in rugby league and in rugby union.

He will link up with the Vikings on Monday. The Rhinos have requested that Keinhorst is not available for selection in their upcoming Challenge Cup tie against Coventry Bears.

On his loan, Keinhorst said: “I’m excited to be linking up with Widnes Vikings on this loan spell.

“I have found my opportunities limited at Leeds Rhinos recently since my knee injury, and I’m eager to play regularly and show what I can do.

“I’ll be joining Widnes Vikings at a time when they are a little short with injuries, so this is a really positive opportunity for all parties.

“Widnes Vikings are a team that I’ve got real respect for. I’ve enjoyed playing against the Vikings in the past, they’re a tough team and have great supporters. I am looking forward to working hard for the team and hopefully helping them to pick up points in the upcoming games.”

Vikings head coach, Denis Betts, said: “We are grateful to Leeds for allowing us to take Jimmy on loan.

“Jimmy is an outside back and utility player, who offers solid experience and proven quality.

“Having lost a number of our outside backs to injury recently, his addition to the squad will give us a real boost.”

Rhinos coach, Brian McDermott, added: “Jimmy is at the stage of his career where he needs consistent first team rugby and needs to be starting most weeks and if he is not getting that with us, he needs to get it somewhere.

“We have put him on loan to Widnes to benefit us and Jimmy, so when he does get that call up to our side, he has played recent Super League.

“He is a very popular player and a very good player and he certainly has a future here.”