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 update on 23 August 2026 and issued a further update the following day. Alongside the playing changes, Kendal confirmed that Abby Alexander and Dan Stephens had joined its board, signalling organisational changes as well as a rebuilding effort on the field.
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, with the club hoping he will be available to return in the New Year.
The four renewals follow the earlier confirmation that 13 players would remain with Kendal. 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, giving the club continuity in its leadership while the wider squad is reshaped.
Who is joining Kendal?
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 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.
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 has not been revealed
The club has not yet published the name of its fifth new signing. Further player names are expected as details are confirmed, meaning the full Kendal squad for 2026/27 has not yet been announced.
The latest changes give supporters a clearer indication of Kendal’s rebuilding plans before the new campaign, with returning players, established names and new arrivals being assembled under Dixon’s continuing captaincy. The board appointments of Alexander and Stephens add a parallel change behind the scenes.