Vale John Kear

International Rugby League is deeply saddened by the passing of iconic long serving former Wales coach John Kear.

John was a passionate and devoted servant to the game who devoted much of his life to playing, coaching and commentating.

He was a member of the BBC commentary team at last weekend's Challenge Cup final between Wigan and Hull KR at Wembley and his death has shocked members of the rugby league community in Britain and around the world.

After a decade of playing for Castleford, John took up coaching with Bramley in 1992 and most recently coached Batley for 11 games last year.

He had one game in charge of France in 1997 and coached England at the 2000 World Cup. 

John returned to coaching at international level with Wales in 2014 and the following year he took the Dragons to a European Championship win, beating Scotland, Ireland and France.

Hecoached Wales at the 2017 World Cup in Australia and RLWC2021 in England, as well as in the World Cup Nines in Australia in 2019.

ohn 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.

His last match with Wales was in October 2024 against Jamaica. He was also an assistant with Great Britain, and coached Great Britain Academy on a tour of New Zealand in 1996 when he was employed by the RFL as player performance manager.

International Rugby League passes on its condolences to John's wife Dawn, other family members and his many, many friends and admirers in the rugby league community.