THERE will be a major shake up of the coaching structure at Kendal RUFC as the club looks to the future following their demotion to level six of the sport’s set up.

Changes have long been anticipated since Kendal finished a disappointing 2018-2019 North Premier Division campaign in 12th spot out of 14, meaning they lost their fifth tier status.

They lost seven of their last eight games and rounded off their season with a 21-20 defeat by Penrith in last Saturday’s Cumbria Cup Final.

And the club have now confirmed that Chris Hayton has stepped in to take the Director of Rugby role, and he will be assisted by Jonathan Nicholson.

Chris Downham is having a break from coaching but the coaching team of Rob Quarry and Stuart Wilkinson will be strengthened by former players Richard Harryman and James Gough, both of whom are experienced National League players.

Garry Holmes meanwhile will take on a coach development role working across the whole club.

The club said in a statement they believe the new structure will allow its coaching systems to develop and have benefits at all levels and with all squads.

“Though the season ended disappointingly, we are in a strong position to move forward with a blend of youth and experience in both the playing and coaching squads,” the statement read.