Rugby league icon John Kear passed away at the age of 71. The renowned former coach for England, Sheffield, Hull, Wakefield, Batley, Bradford, and Widnes had provided commentary for the BBC during the Challenge Cup final on Saturday but tragically died the following day.
Kear had a decade-long career as a player at Castleford before transitioning to coaching with Bramley in 1992. He later moved to French team PSG before joining Sheffield Eagles in 1997, achieving a remarkable victory over Wigan in the 1998 Challenge Cup final.
His coaching career also included leading Hull FC to success in 2005 and managing Wakefield, Batley, Bradford, and Widnes in later years. Kear notably guided the England team to the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup in 2000.
The Rugby Football League (RFL) expressed its condolences, highlighting Kear’s unexpected triumphs in the Challenge Cup finals and his contributions across various clubs. Kear, a beloved figure in the sport, also served as a broadcaster for the BBC and made significant impacts during his coaching tenure.
Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC, among others, mourned the loss of Kear, emphasizing his legendary status and the profound impact he had on the rugby league community. Kear’s legacy as a respected coach and broadcaster will be dearly missed by all who knew him.