Former Super League head coach John Kear dies aged 71

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

>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.

>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 pic.twitter.com/i4BmZDz0Kf

>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.

>Sky Sports commentator and close personal friend of Kear, Dave Woods 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."

>Everyone at Sky Sports Rugby League would like to send their thoughts to his family and friends.

>For you, Old Faithful, pal of mine 🖤 pic.twitter.com/vq3x5U46ZS

>Castleford Tigers are saddened to learn of the passing of former player and Rugby League Legend John Kear, who died on Sunday aged 71.

Kear was a Castleford lad, born on Wheldon Road, he would go on to spend a decade in hometown black and amber after making his debut for the… pic.twitter.com/UCgVQFfAKN

>For all the memories and all you did for our great club, thank you, John. ❤️💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/58Wcy5LkJZ

>We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Kear

John was part of the BBC's coverage on Saturday of the Challenge Cup Finals

As a Head Coach, he lifted the iconic trophy in 1998 with the Sheffield Eagles and in 2005 at Cardiff with Hull FC pic.twitter.com/0wYsqseNZA

>Hull FC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Head Coach John Kear.

An iconic figure in the British game, Kear led the Black & Whites to their iconic 2005 Challenge Cup Final triumph in Cardiff, and oversaw over 700 games as a coach across the last four decades.… pic.twitter.com/odY2sUNte1

>We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of legendary coach and broadcaster John Kear!

As a club, the whole of Wakefield Trinity would like to pass on our thoughts and condolences to his wife, family and friends during this time and join the Rugby League family in saying he… pic.twitter.com/pSy3pj2L2Q

>Wigan Warriors are deeply saddened to hear news of the passing of John Kear, a man who loved Rugby League.

All at Wigan Warriors send our deepest condolences to John's wife Dawn, his family and his many friends in the game. Rest in peace. https://t.co/ydr5BWg5fx

>Hull KR are deeply saddened to learn the passing of Rugby League legend, John Kear.

Everyone at the club sends our thoughts and best wishes to John's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. https://t.co/eAvSBZTE17

>Deeply sad news of the passing of John Kear on Sunday, a man who loved Rugby League. Leeds Rhinos would like to send our deepest condolences to John's wife Dawn, his family and his many friends in the game. Rest in peace. https://t.co/oFTMqNf6TZ

>St.Helens R.F.C. is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Kear, one of Rugby League's most iconic figures.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this sad time. https://t.co/j0dZpc5pEe