The rugby league is mourning the loss of veteran rugby league broadcaster and former UK, France and Wales coach John Kear.

It is understood the 71-year-old former Challenge Cup-winning coach passed away suddenly on Sunday. He had just returned after covering the Challenge Cup final between Wigan Warriors and Hull FC for the BBC.

The Rugby Football League released a statement which read: “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 Betfred Challenge Cup Finals the previous day.”

His 700-match coaching career included duties across nine clubs, including Sheffield Eagles and Hull FC, who he took to a Challenge Cup victory in 2005.

Yorkshireman Kear played for Castleford for a decade before his lengthy coaching career, which ended with his retirement in 2025.

His international coaching career included stints heading up England, Wales and France.

The Yorkshireman also tried his hand at international level, coaching England, Wales and France over the course of his career.

Tributes to Kear which poured in from the upper echelons of the sport included statements from the RFL as well as Hull FC chief operating officer Tony Sutton, who described him as “a true rugby league man through and through, with a deep knowledge of the game.”

“Like many supporters and people associated with our club, the memories of John’s time with us, particularly that wonderful day at the Challenge Cup final in Cardiff in 2005, will be in our minds today,” Sutton said.

“I’m sure many will join us in thinking about John and his family today, and offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”