John Kear: Rugby league rocked by sudden death of legendary former Sheffield Eagles and Hull FC coach
Rugby league has been rocked by the sudden death of legendary coach John Kear.
The Rugby Football League announced on Monday morning that the 71-year-old had passed away on Sunday after attending Wembley as part of the BBC's Challenge Cup final coverage the previous day.
Kear was synonymous with the competition as the mastermind of Sheffield Eagles' shock 1998 success and Hull FC's famous win over Leeds Rhinos in 2005.
The Castleford native was a one-club man during his playing days, making over 100 appearances for his hometown club.
Kear also enjoyed spells in charge of Wakefield Trinity, Batley Bulldogs and Bradford Bulls during his long and distinguished coaching career.
While he never held the top job at Castleford, Kear was Mal Reilly's assistant when they won the Challenge Cup in 1986.
One of rugby league's warmest and most respected characters, the former England and Wales coach brought an infectious enthusiasm to every role he performed throughout the game.
RFL chairman Nigel Wood 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.
"Having had a 10-year career at Castleford, he found his passion for coaching which saw him oversee more than 700 games across a career which included coaching England in the 2000 World Cup, Wales in the 2017 and 2021 World Cups, oversaw Challenge Cup victories at Sheffield Eagles and Hull FC, and most recently took Batley Bulldogs to the Championship Grand Final.
"But John was also an excellent broadcast summariser with a great turn of phrase and an undiluted love and positivity for the sport.
"It was always a pleasure to see John, at Wakefield Trinity games most recently, as he was full of energy and enthusiasm for the game he clearly loved and had given him so much, in the same way he had given back."
Sky Sports commentator Dave Woods has paid tribute to his close friend and former BBC colleague.
"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," said Woods.
"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."