John Kear, the renowned rugby league broadcaster and former Challenge Cup-winning coach, has died at the age of 71. The Rugby Football League announced that Kear passed away on Sunday, shortly after returning from covering Wigan's Challenge Cup victory at Wembley for the BBC.
A Storied Coaching Career
Kear led nine clubs in a coaching career spanning more than 700 matches. He masterminded the shock Challenge Cup win for Sheffield Eagles in 1998 and later steered Hull FC to Challenge Cup glory in 2005. After a decade as an outside back for his hometown club Castleford, Kear transitioned into coaching, retiring in 2025 following a second stint at Batley. He also coached internationally, leading England, Wales, and France.
Tributes from the Rugby League Community
Nigel Wood, chair of the RFL, expressed condolences on behalf of the sport: "Our thoughts are with John's wife, Dawn, his family, and all who played or worked alongside him over the last 50 years. He found his passion in coaching, overseeing more than 700 games, including Challenge Cup victories at Sheffield Eagles and Hull FC, and leading Batley Bulldogs to the Championship Grand Final. John was also an excellent broadcast summariser with a great turn of phrase and an undiluted love for the sport."
Tony Sutton, Hull FC's chief operating officer, added: "He was a true rugby league man through and through, with deep knowledge of the game. The memories of his time with us, especially the 2005 Challenge Cup final in Cardiff, will remain with us. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Kear's legacy as a coach and broadcaster will be remembered fondly by the rugby league community.
