Overview
- The Rugby Football League confirmed that Kear died suddenly on Sunday while travelling north from Wembley after taking part in BBC coverage of the Challenge Cup final.
- Kear had worked as part of the BBC commentary team on Saturday’s Challenge Cup showpiece, remaining a visible presence in the sport up to the weekend.
- He coached more than 700 matches across nine clubs, held international roles with England, Wales and France, and retired from coaching in 2025.
- Kear is best known for masterminding Sheffield Eagles’ shock 1998 Challenge Cup win over Wigan and leading Hull FC to the 2005 final victory, two results that defined his reputation for upset triumphs.
- Clubs, former players and RFL chair Nigel Wood issued widespread tributes, the RFL has given no official cause of death and funeral arrangements have not been announced while one outlet’s report of a heart attack remains unconfirmed.