Kendal Rugby Union Football Club has confirmed nine further playing changes as preparations continue for the 2026/27 campaign, with supporters still waiting to learn the identity of one new recruit.
The club announced the update on 23 August 2026 and provided an update the following day. Alongside the squad developments, Kendal confirmed that Abby Alexander and Dan Stephens had joined its board, adding organisational changes away from the pitch.
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 can return to the team in the New Year.
The four renewals follow the earlier confirmation that 13 players would remain with the club. That group comprises 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. His continued appointment gives the club leadership continuity as the rest of the squad is assembled for the new campaign.
Four arrivals named
Prop Finn Kennedy is joining 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 after representing Kirkby Lonsdale. The club’s announcement links him with Syston, Thanet Wanderers, Loughborough and Kirtstall, although the available records differ over parts of his recent playing history.
Front-row player Arran Sulivan arrives from Aspatria, while Zane Butler is returning from New Zealand. Butler previously played for Kendal and made his debut during the 2008/09 season.
Butler has scored 36 tries in 92 appearances for the club and was part of Kendal’s promotion-winning 2015/16 side. He missed that season’s final match after breaking his leg against Leigh.
Fifth signing remains under wraps
Kendal has not yet announced the identity of its fifth new arrival. Further player names are expected to be published as details are confirmed, meaning the complete 2026/27 line-up is not currently available to supporters.
The latest announcement gives Kendal fans a clearer picture of the playing plans while leaving one signing to be revealed. The appointments of Alexander and Stephens also signal a board change as the club works towards the start of the new season.