Rugby league legend and broadcaster Kear dies aged 71

Former England and Wales rugby league coach, and renowned broadcaster, John Kear has died at the age of 71.

Kear, one of the sport's most respected figures, passed away on Sunday while travelling back from the Challenge Cup final.

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".

During a coaching career that lasted more than 700 matches and took in spells at a number of clubs including Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls, Kear earned widespread acclaim for guiding Sheffield Eagles to a shock Challenge Cup final victory over Wigan in 1998.

The Eagles, now in the Championship, paid tribute on their website,, external saying: "He will always be remembered as the coach who delivered our finest hour and as a man whose passion for rugby league touched countless players, staff and supporters throughout the game."

Castleford-born Kear also led Hull FC to a surprise Challenge Cup triumph in 2005, beating Leeds Rhinos in the final at Cardiff.

The Black and Whites chief operating officer Tony Sutton said:, external "Like many supporters and people associated with our club, the memories of John's time with us, particularly that wonderful day at the Challenge Cup final in Cardiff in 2005, will be in our minds today."

Kear was coach of the England team in the 2000 World Cup and led them to the semi-finals, and had 11 years in charge of Wales, leading them at the 2017 and 2021 World Cups.

During his playing career, Kear made 133 appearances for hometown club Castleford between 1978 and 1988 before he subsequently moved into coaching.

Cas remembered their former player in a social media post: "Kear was a Castleford lad, born on Wheldon Road, he would go on to spend a decade in hometown black and amber after making his debut for the club against St Helens at Knowsley Road on 1 October 1978.

"Part of the 1986 Challenge Cup winning squad as Mal Reilly's assistant, John made 133 first-team appearances for the club, turning down other offers numerous times to stay loyal to his hometown. A true one-club man."

Nigel Wood, chair of the RFL, said that after his 10-year playing career at Cas, Kear had "found his passion for coaching".

"John was also an excellent broadcast summariser with a great turn of phrase and an undiluted love and positivity for the sport," he said.

"On behalf of the whole sport, our thoughts and condolences are with John's wife Dawn, his family, and with those who played or worked alongside him over the last 50 years."

Commentator Dave Woods, who worked with Kear at the BBC and became a close friend added: "He was a great rugby league man, the most passionate and eloquent of evangelists for the sport, who relished the opportunity to do that on radio and television for the BBC.

"But I'll remember him as simply the best of blokes, humble, friendly, cheerful, always smiling, always happy to talk to anyone, especially about rugby league."

Wales Rugby League chairman James Davies said: "John was highly respected throughout the rugby league community, and from my own interactions with him, it was easy to understand why.

"He was instrumental in the development of many of Wales' players over the past decade, and I know he took great pride in being part of their journey and success."