Rugby league legend and broadcaster John Kear dies aged 71

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Rugby league legend Kear dies aged 71Image source, ShutterstockImage caption, John Kear retired from coaching at Batley Bulldogs at the end of last seasonPublished1 June 2026, 09:22 BSTUpdated 3 minutes agoFormer 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 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. He also led Hull FC to a surprise Challenge Cup triumph in 2005, beating Leeds Rhinos in the final at Cardiff.

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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. Nigel Wood, chair of the RFL, said that after his 10-year playing career at Cas, Kear had "found his passion for coaching".

"John was also an excellent broadcast summariser with a great turn of phrase and an undiluted love and positivity for the sport," he said. "On behalf of the whole sport, our thoughts and condolences are with John's wife Dawn, his family, and with those who played or worked alongside him over the last 50 years. "Commentator Dave Woods, who worked with Kear at the and became a close friend added: "He was a great rugby league man, the most passionate and eloquent of evangelists for the sport, who relished the opportunity to do that on radio and television for the .

"But I'll remember him as simply the best of blokes, humble, friendly, cheerful, always smiling, always happy to talk to anyone, especially about rugby league.

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