The rugby league community in Australia is mourning the sudden loss of a true legend, John Kear, who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 71. The devastating news came just a day after Kear had been a familiar and respected voice on BBC commentary duty for the prestigious Challenge Cup final.
The Rugby Football League confirmed Kear’s passing, noting it occurred suddenly as he returned from covering Wigan Warriors’ victory at Wembley. Kear’s extensive coaching career spanned over 700 matches and saw him lead nine different clubs, etching his name in rugby league history with memorable triumphs. He was instrumental in guiding Sheffield Eagles to a stunning upset win in the 1998 Challenge Cup and later steered Hull FC to glory in the 2005 final.
A proud Yorkshireman, Kear’s journey in the sport began as an outside back for Castleford, where he played for a decade before transitioning to the dugout. His coaching tenure continued until 2025, including a second spell at Batley. Kear also made his mark on the international stage, having coached England, Wales, and France during his illustrious career.
Tributes have flooded in from colleagues, friends, and former players, all reflecting on Kear’s profound impact on the game and the individuals within it.
A Cherished Voice and Guiding Hand
Matt Newsum, a BBC rugby league commentator and close colleague of Kear, shared his deep admiration. “Of course I love calling games with him because he’s so enthusiastic,” Newsum said. “But away from the mic I love hearing his life stories, getting him carried away on his favourite Led Zeppelin songs, and introducing him to the delights of halloumi after his initial scepticism. I can’t publish what he said at first.” Newsum emphasised the depth of their friendship, stating, “The biggest compliment I can give is that when my dad died last year, John became the next best thing to me – he was much, much more than a colleague.”
Johnny Lawless, the former Sheffield hooker and a pivotal player in their 1998 Wembley triumph, expressed his devastation. “The biggest memory I have of John is obviously the win at Wembley in 1998, but he had a massive impact on, not just my career, but my life as well,” Lawless told PA. “How he managed people was like no other. I was just one of probably thousands of people who he touched within the game. He’s going to be greatly missed.” Lawless credited Kear’s leadership for their cup success. “Without John we would not have won the cup. He never took credit for it, like the gentleman he was, but he truly masterminded it.” He further elaborated on Kear’s unique ability to inspire, “He put his arm around people and made you believe you could do stuff you probably doubted yourself. He had great attributes to get the best out of everyone. He was one of those coaches you’d do anything for, you’d run through a brick wall for him because he just knew how to treat you as a person first and foremost. He had that magic effect. He could make you play a little bit better, an extra 10 per cent here or one per cent there – John would get it out of you.”
Paul Cooke, who played for Hull FC in their 2005 Grand Final victory, took to X to pay his respects. “Rest in eternal peace boss. You gave me the greatest rugby league day of my life, for that I’m indebted to you forever!” he wrote.
More Than Just a Colleague: A Generous Spirit
Dave Woods, a former BBC sports commentator, spoke of Kear’s long-standing presence and invaluable contribution to their broadcasting team. “For more than 30 years he was a cherished member of the BBC radio and TV commentary team. His knowledge was unsurpassed, his humour never diminished,” Woods recalled. He fondly remembered the playful moniker given to Kear: “We gave him the tag of ‘Tight Yorkshireman’ – always the last to get to the bar to buy a drink, we’d joke, and he’d play up to that role. But, that was a myth. He was the most generous fella you could meet.” Woods added a humorous anecdote that revealed Kear’s true character: “And, he was certainly always the last to leave the bar once the drinks were in because he loved the stories, the memories and the opinions we’d all share about our great game.”
Woods concluded by highlighting Kear’s deepest passion: his family. “He had one passion greater than rugby league and that was his family. Anyone who met JK knew how much his wife Dawn and all their kids meant to him. As much as we are hurting that he’s gone, their pain will be infinitely greater and they are so much in our thoughts. Good night Keary, from Paris and Sheffield, and all those other places you left your lasting legacy. You were the best of us.”
John Kear’s legacy extends far beyond his coaching achievements; it is cemented in the countless lives he touched with his wisdom, humour, and genuine kindness. His absence will be deeply felt across the rugby league world.
