Kendal Rugby Club Appoints New Director of Rugby
Kendal Rugby Union Football Club has named Nick Milner as its new director of rugby, marking a new chapter for one of Cumbria’s most established rugby institutions.
Milner, a familiar figure around the club for decades, takes over the umbrella leadership role previously held by Dan Stephens and will now oversee rugby development across all levels of the organisation.
His connection with the club stretches back more than 40 years. Milner first joined Kendal as an Under-15 player in 1985 before progressing through the ranks into senior rugby. However, his playing career was cut short at the age of 20 after suffering a serious injury while representing Kendal’s second team.
Despite the setback, Milner remained deeply involved with the club and went on to build a long career in coaching, player welfare, sports therapy, and rugby development. Following studies at Northumbria University, he completed a placement at the National Human Performance Centre where he specialised in fitness, conditioning, and injury management. He later earned an international diploma in sports therapy and qualifications in injury treatment, using his expertise to support Kendal players both during matches and in pre-season preparation.
Over the years, Milner has become one of the club’s key contributors behind the scenes. He played a major role in developing the “Auld Greys” walking rugby initiative, which began as a social inclusion project for men over 50 supported by Age UK and the Rugby Football Union. The programme has since expanded into a successful mixed-gender section for players aged over 55 and is regarded as one of the first schemes of its kind in the country.
Milner has also worked to strengthen links between Kendal Rugby Club and Kendal College, helping provide sporting development opportunities for students using the club’s Mint Bridge facilities.
In his new role, he will collaborate closely with Danny Airey, head of mini and youth rugby, alongside senior coaches, development staff, and officials connected to the club’s women’s and youth structures. A newly formed rugby committee will also support the position as the club looks to continue expanding its rugby programmes and community presence.
Speaking after the announcement, Milner said he was “hugely proud” to take on the role at a club that has played such an important part in his life. He also praised outgoing director Dan Stephens for his contribution and said the club would continue to benefit from Stephens’ experience going forward.
Claire Park, chair of Kendal Rugby Union Football Club, described Milner as “exceptionally well placed” for the role because of his extensive knowledge of the club and broad experience across coaching, player development, education, and welfare.
Founded in 1905, Kendal RUFC is one of Cumbria’s best-known rugby union clubs and currently competes in Regional 1 North West rugby. The club recently celebrated success in the Cumbria Cup and continues to play a major role in developing grassroots rugby in the region.
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