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 31/05/26 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.

He also led Hull FC to a surprise Challenge Cup triumph in 2005, beating Leeds Rhinos in the final at Cardiff.

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.

STATE OF MIND co-founder DR Phil Cooper MBE said, "John was a fantastic advocate for rugby league and had an amazing playing and coaching career. I remember his warmth and enthusiasm for STATE OF MIND's work when we delivered a session when he was coach at Wakefield Trinity. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and former teammates."

Commentator Dave Woods, who worked with Kear at the BBC 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 BBC.

"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."

‍