John Kear has stepped down from his role as Head Coach of Wales Rugby League Men’s team after over ten years in charge.
Appointed in 2014, Kear was at the helm as Wales lifted the 2015 European Championship thanks to victories over France, Scotland and Ireland, completing a remarkable turnaround from three defeats in the 2014 edition of the tournament.
Kear is second to only Clive Griffiths for the number of matches as Head Coach of Wales’ senior men’s team and guided the team to successive World Cups in 2017 and 2022, as well as the World Nines in 2019.
During his tenure, Kear handed 46 players their Welsh debuts and his last match in the coaches’ box came at The Lextan Gnoll in October 2024, as the Men’s team successfully returned to Wales for the first time in five years and beat Jamaica.
Mark Moxon, Kear’s assistant coach since 2014, has also decided to end his time with Wales Rugby League.
“I have been incredibly proud to lead Wales for the last decade,” said Kear.
“The international camps have been highlights of each and every year, and that is down to the many players and staff members that I’ve shared those experiences with. I leave with some fantastic memories and I’d like to thank everyone who played their part in those.
“I’d like to thank the Board at Wales Rugby League for their support over the years, and I wish James Davies, Richard Hibbard and Clive Griffiths every success as they lead the ongoing fight against the odds to keep such a proud nation competing on the international stage.
“It’s a fight that was led by Brian Juliff for much of my time as Head Coach, and I’d like to pay a particular tribute to him for entrusting me to lead Wales, and for his dedication and passion that supported the success we had.
“There is some fantastic work being done by volunteers to support a whole new generation of talent who would love nothing more than to pull on a Welsh shirt. Our sport is stronger with Wales as part of it, and I sincerely hope Wales Rugby League is given the support that is needed so it can enjoy a bright future.”
Wales Rugby League Chief Executive, Richard Hibbard, said: “Both John and Mark have made an incredible contribution to Wales Rugby League for over a decade.
“After a disappointing 2013 World Cup campaign, they came into the coaching roles and had a big task ahead of them. To transform the team from bottom of the pile to European Champions within twelve months is testament to their coaching credentials.
“To qualify for successive World Cups is no mean feat. In 2022, the performances they were able to produce from a squad of almost exclusively part-time players is once again a credit to them both their ability to motivate and inspire. I know they are both proud Yorkshire men but they really embraced what it meant to represent our country and we owe them a great deal for what they’ve done.”
After missing out on the chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Hibbard says attention now turns to finding a coach who can lead the squad into the next World Cup cycle.
“We must now look to the future and the challenge of being World Cup ready by 2030. Thanks to the efforts of those involved in our junior pathways, there are now more than 40 players in Super League Scholarship and Academy systems, plus the likes of Charlie Glover, Finley Yates and Sam Grice in first team squads looking to make their mark.
“The process of appointing a new Head Coach begins immediately as we look towards fixtures in the Autumn.”
WRL Performance Director, Clive Griffiths, added: “John and Mark led our Men’s team through a period of transition and took us to competing against the world’s best at successive World Cups. I’d like to thank them for everything they have brought to the roles.
“I’d also like to thank Darren Morson, who has stood down from his role as Team Manager to focus on his responsibilities at club level with North Wales Crusaders.”
WRL Chair, James Davies, continued: “On behalf of the entire Board and everyone associated with Wales Rugby League, I want to express our heartfelt thanks to both John and Mark for their incredible service, commitment, and support over the years. Their achievements have been nothing short of remarkable, and their contribution has left an indelible mark on the game here in Wales.”
