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  "path": "/sport/john-kear-dies-aged-71",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-01T08:40:50.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\n\nRugby league is mourning the loss of one of its most respected figures after former player, coach and broadcaster John Kear died at the age of 71.\n\nKear passed away on Sunday while travelling home from Wembley after attending the Challenge Cup final between Wigan Warriors and Hull KR.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Castleford-born rugby league stalwart had been working as part of the BBC Sport commentary team covering the showpiece occasion before news of the death emerged.\n\nKear enjoyed a distinguished career both on and off the field, earning admiration across the sport for achievements as a player, coach and pundit.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nAs a player, Kear made 133 appearances for hometown club Castleford Tigers between 1978 and 1988, establishing a strong connection with the club before moving into coaching.\n\nKear's greatest coaching achievement came in 1998 when guiding Sheffield Eagles to one of the biggest upsets in rugby league history.\n\nThe Eagles stunned favourites Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley, securing a memorable victory that remains one of the competition's most famous giant-killings.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSuccess with Sheffield elevated Kear's reputation as one of the game's leading coaches and paved the way for spells with several prominent clubs.\n\nCoaching roles followed at Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls, with Kear earning widespread respect throughout the rugby league community.\n\nKear also represented the national team at the highest level, taking charge of England national rugby league team during the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nEngland reached the semi-finals under Kear's leadership, further cementing a reputation as one of the sport's most influential figures, while he also had spells with Wales too.\n\nTributes have already started to pour in.\n\nHull FC wrote in a statement: \"Hull FC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Head Coach John Kear.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"An iconic figure in the British game, Kear led the Black & Whites to their iconic 2005 Challenge Cup Final triumph as FC claimed the trophy for the third time in their history with a memorable 25-24 victory over Leeds Rhinos at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.\n\n\"A loved and admired figure in West Hull and across the sport, Kear oversaw over 700 games as a coach before his retirement in 2025, as well becoming a highly-respected broadcaster with the BBC.\"\n\nWakefield Trinity said: \"Wakefield Trinity are devastated to hear of the passing of legendary player, coach and broadcaster John Kear.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"As a club, the whole of Wakefield Trinity would like to pass on our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends and join the Rugby League family in saying he will be dearly missed.\n\n\"John leaves behind a glittering legacy and is one of the most popular figures within Rugby League.\"\n\nFans on social media have also paid tribute to the Rugby league great.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**More to follow.**\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Former England coach dies aged 71 as tributes pour in"
}