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Rugby league legend and broadcaster Kear dies aged 71
TL;DR
John Kear, former England and Wales rugby league coach and broadcaster, has died at 71 while returning from the Challenge Cup final. He was widely respected in the sport and coached over 700 matches during his career.
Key points
- John Kear died at the age of 71
- He was a former rugby league coach and broadcaster
- Kear was part of the BBC Sport commentary team
- He coached over 700 matches in his career
- Led Sheffield Eagles to a Challenge Cup victory in 1998
Mentioned in this story
John KearRugby Football League
Challenge CupSheffield EaglesWiganHull FC
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.
Image caption,
John Kear led Hull FC to victory in the 2005 Challenge Cup final over Leeds Rhinos
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.
Q&A
What caused the death of rugby league coach John Kear?
John Kear passed away while traveling back from the Challenge Cup final, but the cause of death has not been specified.
How many matches did John Kear coach in his career?
John Kear had a coaching career that spanned over 700 matches.
What was John Kear's most notable achievement in rugby league?
Kear is best known for leading Sheffield Eagles to a surprising Challenge Cup final victory over Wigan in 1998.
Which teams did John Kear coach during his career?
John Kear coached several teams, including Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity, Bradford Bulls, and Sheffield Eagles.
