Kendal Rugby Union Football Club has appointed Nick Milner as its new director of rugby.
The long-serving club volunteer and former player taking on the umbrella role overseeing rugby development across all levels of the club and replaces Dan Stephens in the position.
Nick joined Kendal as an Under-15 player in 1985 before progressing into senior rugby.
A permanent injury sustained during a Kendal 2nd XV match brought his playing career to an early end at the age of 20, but also marked the beginning of decades of involvement in coaching, sports therapy, player development and rugby support at the club.
Following his degree at Northumbria University, Nick completed a work placement at the National Human Performance Centre, specialising in fitness, conditioning and injury management.
He later gained an L3 International Diploma in sports therapy and the FA treatment of injuries qualification, volunteering for many years as a sports therapist at Kendal Rugby Club, supporting players on the pitch and leading pre-season fitness programmes alongside the then coach, Peter Kremer.
Professionally, Nick joined Lancaster & Morecambe College in 1993, where he taught sport and physical education for 23 years, including the final five years as head of sports curriculum.
He is now a sports lecturer at Kendal College, where he leads the Level 3 Extended Diploma in sport and physical activity.
Nick rejoined the club in 2013, initially helping with backs coaching and physiotherapy support, before becoming increasingly involved following the move to the Mint Bridge ground in 2017.
Since then, he has undertaken a wide range of volunteer roles, including strength and conditioning, pitchside injury support and contributions to the club’s wider coaching structure.
He also established Walking Rugby at the club alongside Garry Holmes.
Part of a social inclusion project for men aged over 50, backed by Age UK and the Rugby Football Union, the initiative has since developed into the flourishing Auld Greys section for male and female players aged over 55; the first of its kind in the country.
Nick has also helped strengthen links between Kendal College and Kendal Rugby Union Football Club, with students using the club’s Mint Bridge facilities as part of their sporting development.
As director of rugby, Nick will work closely with Danny Airey, head of Mini and Youth Rugby, alongside the senior coaching team, senior leadership group, key personnel from the development team and the Wasps women’s team.
The role will be supported by a newly formed rugby committee.
Nick said: “I’m hugely proud to take on this role at a club that has been such a big part of my life.
“There’s definitely a sense of anticipation, as director of rugby is an important role at Kendal, but I see it as an opportunity to give something back, drawing on more than 30 years of experience in sports development, coaching, and player support.
“For me, it’s about developing and keeping our own players and sustaining the brand of rugby that Kendal has long been known for.
“We want young players coming through Mini and Junior rugby sections to be ready for Senior rugby – with the right skills, confidence and support around them.
“If we can get that process right and keep players in Kendal, it will give the club strong foundations for the future and help make the club as successful as it can be.
“I’d also like to thank Dan Stephens for the hard work and commitment he has given over the last two years as director of rugby.
“Dan has put a huge amount into the role, and I’m really pleased that the club will continue to benefit from his experience and involvement moving forward.”
Claire Park, chair of Kendal Rugby Union Football Club, said: “Nick is exceptionally well placed to take on this role because he understands Kendal Rugby Club inside and out.
“He has contributed to the club in so many different ways over the years and brings enormous experience in coaching, sports development, player welfare and education.
“As a club, we have ambitions to continue progressing and ultimately return to National League rugby, and we believe Nick is the right person to help continue that trajectory.
“Just as importantly, he shares the club’s commitment to developing our own players and creating clear pathways from Mini and Junior rugby through to the senior game.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Dan for his work over the previous two years. Dan has been instrumental in developing our player pathway and helping strengthen the foundations that the club will now continue to build upon.”
