Batley Bulldogs confirm six player departures
Batley Bulldogs have revealed that six more players from their 2025 squad have left the club.
At the end of last season it was announced that James Brown and Elliot Kear were leaving while Luke Blake was retiring.
And six more of the squad have also departed with Joe Arundel, Alfie Dean, Jack Render, Kieran Hepworth, Paul Chitakunye, and Samy Kibula leaving for pastures new.
A number of replacement signings have been announced in recent weeks with the club refreshing their squad following a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Paul Foulstone, meanwhile, has extended his contract at Batley.
After joining from Dewsbury Celtic this year he impressed in his limited game time, making two starts for the club. He is hungry for more and will be pushing hard to secure a consistent starting position.
Mark Barlow will also remain with the club for next season as head of strength and conditioning.
He said: "I am thrilled to be staying on the coaching team for the upcoming 2026 season. With the arrival of new signings and additions to the coaching staff, this promises to be an especially interesting year.
"I am eagerly looking forward to seeing what the season holds for Batley and the success we can achieve.”
Supporters have a first chance to see how Batley are progressing towards next season under their new head coach James Ford when the annual Heavy Woollen Derby takes place on Boxing Day.
The Bulldogs make the short travel to take on neighbours Dewsbury Rams at FLAIR Stadium on December 26, kick-off 12 noon.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have a vacancy for a lead physiotherapist/sports rehabilitator/therapist to join their medical team ahead of the 2026 season.
Closing date for applications is Friday (December 5) and anyone interested in applying or have any questions can send a CV and a brief informal covering letter to [email protected]