John Kear, one of rugby league’s most respected coaches and broadcasters, has died at the age of 71.He passed away on Sunday while returning from the Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium, where he had been working as part of the BBC Sport commentary team for the match between Wigan and Hull KR.

His death has prompted widespread tributes across the sport, with the Rugby Football League describing him as a figure who was “loved and admired throughout the sport and well beyond”.Kear enjoyed a long and distinguished career spanning more than 50 years in rugby league, first as a player and later as a coach and pundit.As a player, he made 133 appearances for his hometown club Castleford between 1978 and 1988 before transitioning into coaching.His coaching career included more than 700 matches across several clubs, including Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls.

He is widely remembered for leading Sheffield Eagles to a shock Challenge Cup final victory over Wigan in 1998, one of the competition’s most famous upsets.He later guided Hull FC to another memorable Challenge Cup triumph in 2005, defeating Leeds Rhinos in the final in Cardiff.On the international stage, Kear coached England at the 2000 World Cup, where the team reached the semi-finals.He also spent 11 years involved with Wales, leading them at both the 2017 and 2021 World Cups.

Beyond coaching, he became a familiar and highly regarded voice in rugby league broadcasting, known for his enthusiasm, insight and passion for the game.

Tributes from colleagues and officials highlighted both his professional achievements and his personal qualities, describing him as humble, friendly and deeply committed to rugby league throughout his life.