John Kear has passed away.
John Kear celebrates winning the Challenge Cup with Hull FC in 2005.
Hull FC’s former Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has sadly passed away, aged 71, the RFL have confirmed.
Kear led the Black and Whites to their third triumph in rugby league’s oldest competition back in 2005, with Hull famously defeating Leeds Rhinos 25-24 in Cardiff.
He also masterminded Sheffield Eagles’ 1998 victory over Wigan Warriors at Wembley.
An iconic figure in the British game, Kear coached for over 700 games, retiring last year. He was also a highly-respected broadcaster with the BBC, who he commentated for in Saturday’s Challenge Cup final as Wigan defeated Hull KR 40-10.
The RFL have confirmed that Kear passed away on Sunday while travelling back up North from Wembley.
Kear also enjoyed periods with Wakefield Trinity, Bradford Bulls, Widnes Vikings, PSG, and most recently Batley Bulldogs – he also played a prominent role in the Wales national team setup over the past 12 years.
On the international stage, he also took the reins of the England side during the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, as well as leading France and Great Britain Academy.
Hull FC’s Chief Operating Officer Tony Sutton, said: “I, and everyone across the club, was deeply saddened to hear about John’s passing this morning; he was a true Rugby League man through and through, with a deep knowledge of the game, who always had time to stop for a chat whenever you saw him.
“Like many supporters and people associated with our club, the memories of John’s time with us, particularly that wonderful day at the Challenge Cup Final in Cardiff in 2005, will be in our minds today.
“I’m sure many will join us in thinking about John and his family today, and offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”