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John Kear has died aged 71; he had a long and successful head coaching career at the top of rugby league; he most famously led Sheffield Eagles to arguably the greatest upset in Challenge Cup final history when they defeated Wigan in 1998 at Wembley
Monday 1 June 2026 09:29, UK
Former Super League and international head coach John Kear has died aged 71.
Kear passed the milestone of over 700 games as a head coach in 2025 and was co-commentator on the BBC on Saturday for the Challenge Cup final.
He most famously led Sheffield Eagles to arguably the greatest upset in Challenge Cup final history when they defeated Wigan in 1998 at Wembley.
He also achieved another major upset when he masterminded Hull FC's cup win against Leeds in 2005 in the final in Cardiff.
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In a statement, the RFL said: "The RFL today pays tribute to John Kear, who died suddenly on Sunday afternoon returning north from Wembley, having been part of the BBC's commentary team for the Challenge Cup finals.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with John's wife Dawn, his family and friends."
Kear was England head coach during the 2000 World Cup, leading them to the semi-finals, before heading to Hull FC.
Following his year with the Black and Whites, Kear spent five years in charge of Wakefield, most famously helping them avoid relegation and condemning his hometown club Castleford to the Championship.
In 2011, Kear took over at Batley and, after six seasons in charge, moved to coach Bradford Bulls after they were relegated to the Championship and remained there until 2022.
In June 2025, Kear returned to Batley for a short stint that marked the end of his coaching career.
Kear also had a long tenure in charge of Wales from 2014 until 2025, coaching them in 15 matches which saw them pick up seven wins, seven losses, and a draw.
Everyone at Sky Sports Rugby League would like to send their thoughts to his family and friends.
Dave Woods, the Sky Sports commentator who became a close personal friend of Kear's through their commentary partnership for the BBC, said: "This is devastating news for all of us, but especially for Dawn and for all of John's family, and I'm sure the whole sport will join me in sending our deepest condolences.
"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."
English (US)