John Kear, the former England and Wales rugby league coach and celebrated broadcaster, has died at the age of 71. He passed away on Sunday while returning from the Challenge Cup final, where he had been part of the BBC Sport commentary team for the match between Wigan and Hull KR at Wembley Stadium.
In a statement, the Rugby Football League (RFL) said Kear "was loved and admired throughout the sport and well beyond." His coaching career spanned over 700 matches, including stints at Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity, and Bradford Bulls. He is best remembered for guiding Sheffield Eagles to a stunning Challenge Cup final victory over Wigan in 1998 and later leading Hull FC to a surprise Challenge Cup triumph in 2005 against Leeds Rhinos.
Kear also coached England in the 2000 World Cup, taking them to the semi-finals, and spent 11 years in charge of Wales, leading them in the 2017 and 2021 World Cups. As a player, he made 133 appearances for his hometown club Castleford between 1978 and 1988 before moving into coaching.
Castleford paid tribute, calling Kear "a Castleford lad, born on Wheldon Road," who remained loyal to the club throughout his playing career. Hull FC's chief operating officer Tony Sutton said, "The memories of John's time with us, particularly that wonderful day at the Challenge Cup final in 2005, will be in our minds today."
Kear's passion for rugby league and his underdog spirit made him a beloved figure both on and off the field.