Overview
- Kear died suddenly on Sunday while travelling back north from Wembley after working on the BBC's coverage of the Challenge Cup final.
- He built a long coaching career of more than 700 matches and famously led underdog Sheffield Eagles to the 1998 Challenge Cup win and Hull FC to the 2005 victory.
- Kear also coached at international level, including England at the 2000 World Cup and extended spells with Wales and brief roles with France.
- Clubs, colleagues and the Rugby Football League issued immediate tributes, noting his popular broadcasting work for the BBC and offering condolences to his wife Dawn and the family.
- Kear began as a Castleford player with 133 appearances, retired from coaching in 2025 after a final spell at Batley, and his death leaves broadcasters and clubs preparing to mark his impact on the sport.