We were sad to learn about yesterday’s sad passing of former Wales men’s side head coach John Kear, aged 71.
John took over as Wales men’s side head coach in 2014 and was given the tough job of rebuilding following an unsuccessful 2013 World Cup campaign.
In 2015, he coached Wales to a European Championship win, beating Scotland, Ireland and France, and coached Wales in two World Cups, in 2017 in Australia and 2022 in England, as well as in the World Cup Nines in Australia in 2019.
During his tenure as Wales men’s side head coach, Kear handed 46 players their Welsh debuts, and his last match in the coaches’ box came at The Gnoll in Neath in October 2024, as the Men’s team successfully returned to Wales for the first time in five years and beat Jamaica.
He was also head coach at France in 1997 for one game, for England in the 2000 World Cup, and was assistant coach at Great Britain. He also coached Great Britain Academy on a tour of New Zealand in 1996 when he was employed by the RFL as player performance manager.
But John was best known as a club coach for his Challenge Cup Final successes with Sheffield Eagles in 1998 and Hull FC in 2005, as well as his success when coaching Wakefield Trinity in the late 2000s.
He started his coaching career with Bramley in 1992, and also had spells at Paris St Germain, Batley Bulldogs, Bradford Bulls and Widnes Vikings in a coaching career that totalled over 500 matches as a head coach. He was also an assistant coach at Wigan Warriors.
As a player, he turned out for Castleford, playing 133 matches for them between 1978 and 1988, where he played in the 1983 Yorkshire Cup Final.
In addition to his coaching career, he was a regular pundit with BBC Sport for three decades, working on the radio and television with his last job being the day before he died, when he was part of the commentary team for the Challenge Cup Finals at Wembley Stadium.
Last year, the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association selected him as the 2025 winner of their Merit Award, for services to the sport and its presentation in the media. He was also given a further trophy for outstanding contribution to the game as a whole.
WRL chairman, James Davies, said: “On behalf of Wales Rugby League, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to John’s wife, family, and friends.
“John was highly respected throughout the rugby league community, and from my own interactions with him, it was easy to understand why. He was instrumental in the development of many of Wales’ players over the past decade, and I know he took great pride in being part of their journey and success.
“John’s contribution to the game, and to the people he helped along the way, will not be forgotten. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and worked with him.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
Clive Griffiths, who is now Director of Performance for Wales Rugby League, said: “I am saddened to hear the news of John’s passing.
“He was not only an outstanding international class coach, but more importantly, he was also a great friend and human being.
“His work keeping the Wales Rugby League flag flying will always be remembered and appreciated by everyone connected with WRL.
“My deepest sympathy goes to Dawn, as well as John’s family. JK, my friend, you will be sorely missed.”
Former Wales Rugby League chairman, Brian Juliff, who was responsible for appointing John to the Wales head coach role, said: “I’m very sad to hear of the passing of John Kear, a longtime friend and great supporter of Wales Rugby League.
“His contribution to the development of Rugby League in Wales has been considerable, and he will be a huge loss to the game in general. All of our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Dawn and all his family and friends.”
A minute’s applause will be held before the Wales junior and student internationals in Merthyr Tydfil against Scotland this coming Sunday, and at the Wales U19 friendly match against South Wales Jets in Ystrad Mynach on Saturday.
John Kear 25/11/1954-31/05/2026
