John Kear: Tributes flood in for ‘monumental’ rugby league legend

The renowned and popular broadcaster, who also led England and Wales at international level, passed away on Sunday afternoon while travelling back north from Wembley having been part of the BBC’s commentary team for the Challenge Cup Final the previous day.

A one-club man as a player for his hometown team Castleford from the late 1970s to the late 80s, Kear began his coaching career at Bramley in 1992 before leading Sheffield Eagles and Hull FC to miraculous Challenge Cup wins.

The Eagles’ unbelievable triumph over Wigan Warriors in 1998 is still, perhaps, the greatest shock in the 130-year history of the competition.

He spent six years and 153 games at Wakefield, guiding them to safety in 2006 before helping them equal their best-ever Super League finish, in fifth, in 2009, as well as leading Bradford Bulls and Widnes.

He was also adored by everyone at Batley Bulldogs where he had an immensely successful first stint at Mount Pleasant between 2011 and 2016, leading them to a Championship Grand Final.

He was also an assistant at Wigan Warriors and coached the national teams of France, England and Wales, as well as Great Britain Academy on a tour of New Zealand in 1996 when he was employed by the RFL as player performance manager.

Kear then returned to Batley midway through the 2025 season where he ended his rugby league coaching career - a career which spanned six decades and over 700 games as a head coach.

Nigel Wood OBE, Chair of the RFL 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. 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.”

Wakefield Trinity posted on its social media channel X: “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 will be dearly missed.”

Batley Bulldogs posted on X: “We are profoundly saddened by the sudden passing of Rugby League legend John Kear. A monumental figure in our sport and a cherished member of our Bulldogs family.

“​John was integral to the Bulldogs' success, both on and off the field for a lot of years. We will all fondly remember our incredible 2016 Super 8s campaign, a historic run that rightfully earned him the Championship Coach of the Year award.

“​Answering the club’s call for guidance, John returned to us late last year to lead the squad once again. A testament to his enduring loyalty and passion for the Bulldogs.

“​We will deeply miss John’s commanding presence, his empathetic voice, and above all, his friendship.

“​Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to his wife, Dawn, and the entire Kear family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Hometown club Castleford Tigers said: “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 club against St Helens at Knowsley Road on 1st October 1978.

“Part of the 1986 Challenge Cup winning squad as Mal Reilly's assistant, John made 133 first team appearances for the club, turning down other offers numerous times to stay loyal to his hometown.

“A true one club man.”