Emlyn Jenkins

Emlyn Jenkins
Born	1910-12-01 Treherbert, Wales
Died	1993-10
Occupation(s)	Cinema manager, trainee teacher, publican, rugby union and rugby league footballer and coach
Years active	1930s–1950s
Known for	Rugby union player for Treorchy RFC and Cardiff RFC; rugby league player for Salford, Wigan, St Helens, Leigh; Wales and Great Britain international; rugby league coach for Leigh and St Helens

Emlyn Jenkins (1 December 1910 – October 1993) was a multifaceted Welsh professional known for his roles as a cinema manager, trainee educator, publican, and both a rugby union and professional rugby league player and coach, with an active career spanning from the 1930s through the 1950s. In rugby union, he represented Treorchy RFC and Cardiff RFC, while in rugby league he played for Great Britain and Wales. At the club level, Jenkins featured for Salford (in two separate periods), Wigan, St Helens (also twice, including as a guest during World War II), and Leigh, occupying positions such as and . Subsequently, he took on coaching responsibilities with both Leigh and St Helens.

During his prime, Jenkins was esteemed as an exceptional talent in rugby league, playing a pivotal role in driving his teams toward competitive achievements.

Salford

Jenkins made his first appearance for Salford in December 1930 in a match against Dewsbury.

While Jenkins was part of the squad, Salford amassed several honors: they clinched the Championship titles in the 1932–33, 1936–37, and 1938–39 seasons; secured the 1938 Challenge Cup during the 1937–38 campaign; won the Lancashire Cup in the seasons of 1929–30, 1931–32, 1934–35, 1935–36, and 1936–37; and captured the Lancashire County League titles in the 1932–33, 1933–34, 1934–35, 1936–37, and 1938–39 seasons.

In the Championship Final of the 1933–34 at Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington on 28 April 1934, Jenkins played for Salford in their 3–15 defeat by Wigan.

He was a member of Salford’s 1934 tour to France, during which the team earned the moniker "Les Diables Rouges." This touring squad featured prominent players including Joe Bradbury, Bob Brown, Aubrey Casewell, and Gus Risman.

Jenkins played a key role in Salford's triumphs in several Lancashire Cup Finals: a close 10–8 victory over Swinton in 1931 held at The Cliff, Broughton; a 21–12 win against Wigan in 1934 at Station Road, Swinton; a 15–7 success over Wigan in 1935 at Wilderspool Stadium; and a narrow 5–2 win versus Wigan in 1936 also at Wilderspool.

Later career

In March 1938, Jenkins transferred to Wigan for £700. He made his debut on 12 March 1938 during a 19–3 away triumph against Newcastle. His first try for Wigan came on 19 March in a tight 16–13 victory over Leeds at Central Park. He scored his final try for Wigan during a 12–8 Lancashire County Cup win against Swinton on 10 September 1938. Jenkins’ last appearance for Wigan was on 8 October 1938 when they defeated Leigh 19–0. Although he declared retirement at age 27 in mid-November that year, he joined Keighley later that month and debuted as centre against Dewsbury on 5 December.

During the Wartime Emergency Leagues period, Jenkins appeared as a guest player for St. Helens, occupying fullback in their testimonial match—a high-scoring 45–38 win over the Rugby League Players' Union—held at Knowsley Road, St. Helens on 30 April 1951.

International Achievements

During his tenure at Salford, Jenkins represented Wales in rugby league, obtaining four international appearances between 1932 and 1936. Additionally, he was selected for the Great Britain rugby league squad, participating in tours and fixtures including a 1933 match against Australia; three encounters with Australia and two with New Zealand in 1936; as well as three games facing Australia in 1937.