jenkins was born in newport, monmouthshire. he had a brief football career as an amateur for newport county, signing in july 1924. he played in three matches in the 1924–25 football league third division south, scoring one goal against southend united. he was also an amateur cricketer for monmouthshire, playing minor counties cricket for the county from 1923–1934, making 44 appearances in the minor counties championship. he died at derby towards the end of 1981.