John Kear, the rugby league coach and broadcaster, dies aged 71, with multiple outlets reporting that he dies suddenly. Several sources say he was working for the BBC a day before his death, commentating on the Challenge Cup final at Wembley, including coverage of Wigan’s victory. The Rugby Football League is reported to have announced his death on Sunday. Born in the rugby league community, Kear is described as a former England and Wales coach who later built a career as a commentator and broadcaster. Earlier in his coaching career, sources agree he led teams to Challenge Cup success, including Sheffield Eagles’ shock Challenge Cup win in 1998 and Hull FC’s Challenge Cup triumph in 2005. Accounts also state he was returning north or on the way home after his BBC duties, with one report saying he was taken ill during the journey. Tributes are reported to have come from BBC colleagues and others across the sport following his death, highlighting his long involvement in rugby league both on the coaching and broadcasting sides.