Kendal Rugby Union Football Club has confirmed nine further squad changes ahead of the 2026/27 season, while keeping supporters waiting for the identity of one new signing.
The club announced the playing update on 23 August 2026 and issued a further update the following day. The changes comprise four players agreeing to return, four named arrivals and a fifth new recruit whose name has not yet been released.
Alongside the changes on the field, Kendal has appointed Abby Alexander and Dan Stephens to its board. The appointments come as the club rebuilds its squad and prepares for 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, and the club hopes he will be available again in the New Year. His immediate involvement therefore remains uncertain.
The four renewals follow Kendal’s earlier confirmation that 13 players would remain with the club: 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 Kendal for a third season, maintaining continuity in the leadership group as the rest of the squad is reshaped.
Four arrivals named while fifth signing stays secret
Prop Finn Kennedy is moving to Kendal after making 35 appearances for Carlisle over the past two seasons.
Angus Knight, a hooker who previously played junior rugby for Kendal, is also returning 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 final name
Kendal has not yet revealed the identity of its fifth new signing. Further player names are expected as details are confirmed, meaning the full 2026/27 squad has not yet been announced.
The update gives supporters a clearer picture of the club’s rebuilding plans, bringing together returning players, established names and new arrivals under Dixon’s continuing captaincy. The board appointments represent a parallel change behind the scenes as Kendal prepares for the new season.