KIWI flanker Mark Bright is the first new signing to be made by Kendal after the Board of Directors stated publically that the Mint Bridge side was at crisis-point.

The Board published a news release in last Saturday's programme, in which is said it had met with Head Coach Neil Rollings to discuss the position relating to the strength of the playing-staff.

"It was agreed the club was at crisis point and new players in key positions were desperately needed," said the release.

"The Board endorsed its decision to make funds available for the rest of the season to recruit players and in addition committed funds to find accommodation for players in addition to the cottage already on short tenancy."

Bright, a 27-year-old flanker of the Nelson Bays club who can also play at No. 8, has played for the New Zealand Divisional team in three games against Fiji and is due to arrive by January 1 to be available against Hull Ionians on January 7.

Meanwhile, full back Simon Mulholland is to be appointed as a Sports Development Officer for carry out an approved development plan in local school and the community, with funding coming partly from Sportsmatch thanks to a £5,000 grant this year which, the Board says, will be matched annually by "a generous sponsor".

Centenary marketing had brought in £6,400 profit (with an additional £1,000 from the auction going to the Wayne Broadley fund), it was reported.