Rugby league icon John Kear passed away at 71 years old. The renowned former coach of 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 Sunday.
Kear had a decade-long playing career as a threequarter at Castleford before transitioning into coaching with Bramley in 1992. He then moved on to coach the French team PSG before joining Sheffield Eagles in 1997. Kear achieved a significant coaching milestone by leading the Eagles to a surprising victory over Wigan at Wembley in 1998 to claim the Challenge Cup.
His coaching career continued with Hull FC, where he secured another Challenge Cup win in 2005. Kear also served as the head coach for Wakefield, Batley, Bradford, and Widnes over the years. Additionally, he guided the England national team to the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup in 2000.
The Rugby Football League (RFL) expressed their condolences, praising Kear’s contributions to the sport and his unexpected triumphs in the Challenge Cup. Kear’s impact extended beyond coaching, as he was a beloved broadcaster for the BBC and had worked with various rugby league teams, including Wakefield Trinity and Batley Bulldogs.
Kear’s former clubs, Wakefield and Hull FC, paid tribute to his legacy and offered their condolences to his family and friends. Wakefield Trinity highlighted Kear’s legendary status as both a coach and broadcaster, emphasizing his significant influence on the sport. Hull FC remembered Kear for leading them to their memorable Challenge Cup Final victory in 2005 and acknowledged his extensive coaching career spanning over 700 games.
John Kear’s unexpected passing has left a void in the rugby league community, with fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a true sporting legend.
