Kendal Rugby Union Football Club has confirmed nine further squad changes ahead of the 2026/27 season, but supporters will have to wait to discover the identity of one of the club’s new arrivals.
The club announced the playing update on 23 August 2026 and issued a further update the following day. The changes include four returning players, four named signings and a fifth arrival whose identity has not yet been published.
Alongside the changes on the field, Kendal has confirmed that Abby Alexander and Dan Stephens have joined its board. The appointments signal organisational changes as the club rebuilds its squad ahead of the new campaign.
Four players agree to return
Andy Rogers, Joe Anderson, Dev Coyle and Dini Noyo have all agreed to re-sign for Kendal.
Rogers is recovering from an operation. The club hopes he will be available to return in the New Year, meaning his immediate involvement remains uncertain.
The four renewals follow Kendal’s earlier confirmation that 13 players would remain with the club. They are Aaron Stephens, Alfie Bradshaw, Barney Coxon, Ben Dixon, Ben O’Halloran, Dan Shorrock, Dane Blenkharn, Glenn Chesher, Luke Atkinson, Matty Houghton, Ollie Rose, Oscar Coxon and Patrick Wolstenholme.
Ben Dixon will captain the side for a third season, providing continuity in the leadership group while the wider squad is reshaped.
Four arrivals named, with one still under wraps
Prop Finn Kennedy is moving to Kendal after making 35 appearances for Carlisle during the past two seasons.
Angus Knight, a hooker who previously played junior rugby for Kendal, is also returning to the club after representing Kirkby Lonsdale. The club’s announcement links Knight with Syston, Thanet Wanderers, Loughborough and Kirtstall, although available records differ over parts of his recent playing history.
Front-row player Arran Sulivan is arriving from Aspatria, while Zane Butler is returning from New Zealand.
Butler previously played for Kendal and made his debut during the 2008/09 season. He has scored 36 tries in 92 appearances for the club and was part of Kendal’s promotion-winning 2015/16 side. His campaign ended before the final match after he broke his leg against Leigh.
Supporters await the fifth name
Kendal has not yet revealed the name of its fifth new signing. Further player names are expected as details are confirmed, so the full squad for 2026/27 has not yet been announced.
The latest update gives supporters a clearer picture of Kendal’s rebuilding plans, combining returning players, established names and new arrivals under Dixon’s continuing captaincy. The board appointments add a parallel change behind the scenes as the club prepares for the new season.