- John Kear, the respected rugby league broadcaster and former Challenge Cup-winning coach, has died at the age of 71.
- His death occurred suddenly on Sunday, shortly after he had returned from covering Wigan Warriors ’ Challenge Cup victory at Wembley for the BBC.
- Kear had a distinguished coaching career spanning over 700 matches across nine clubs, famously leading Sheffield Eagles to a shock Challenge Cup win in 1998 and guiding Hull FC to glory in 2005.
- He also coached at international level for England, Wales, and France, and had a decade-long playing career as an outside back for Castleford.
- Nigel Wood, Chair of the RFL, paid tribute to Kear, acknowledging his significant contributions to the sport, including taking Batley Bulldogs to the Championship Grand Final, and his popular role as a broadcast summariser.
IN FULL
Former Rugby League coach and broadcaster John Kear passes away aged 71
