BREAKING Ex-England supervisor dies 24 hours after being on BBC as tributes paid to legend
Tributes have poured in on social media after the tragic death of a former England coach – who led his home nation to the World Cup.
(Image: Getty Images for RLWC)
An icon England coach has tragically passed away aged 71 – with tributes pouring in on social media for the legend.
John Kear, the legendary former England, Sheffield, Hull, Wakefield, Batley, Bradford and Widnes boss, had provided commentary on the Challenge Cup final for the BBC on Saturday.
Kear enjoyed a decade-long playing career as a threequarter with Castleford before embarking on his coaching journey with Bramley in 1992. He then moved to French outfit PSG ahead of the inaugural Super League campaign.
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In 1997, he took over at Sheffield Eagles, where he achieved his greatest triumph as a coach by orchestrating one of the most stunning upsets in league history when the Eagles defeated the formidable Wigan at Wembley to claim the Challenge Cup in 1998.
He replicated this success while in charge of Hull FC in 2005.
Following his time at Hull, he spent five years as Wakefield chief before overseeing second-tier clubs Batley, Bradford and Widnes during his latter coaching period.
He also led England at the Rugby League World Cup in 2000, guiding them to the semi-finals, reports the Mirror.
Kear was a stalwart on the BBC as a commentator and broadcaster for the Challenge Cup, including Saturday’s triumph for Wigan against Hull KR.
His former club Wakefield posted: “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.”
