Ultimate underdog coach Kear's rugby league passion shone through
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- John Kear died at the age of 71, ending a lifelong devotion to rugby league.
- John Kear was a BBC radio commentator who famously announced “It’s good night Vienna for Sheffield in Paris” during the inaugural 1996 Super League match in Paris.
- John Kear coached Sheffield Eagles to the 1998 Challenge Cup final upset over Wigan at Wembley, a result hailed as the greatest Cup upset of all time.
- John Kear led Hull FC to a surprise 2005 Challenge Cup final win in Cardiff, defeating Leeds after a pre‑match psychological battle.
- John Kear took over Wakefield Trinity late in the 2006 season and steered the club away from relegation, culminating in a decisive last‑day clash with rivals Castleford.
Why it matters: His passing deprives rugby league of a charismatic mentor and voice, while his historic underdog victories—Sheffield’s 1998 Cup upset and Hull’s 2005 triumph—continue to inspire clubs seeking to defy expectations.
