Former rugby league player and coach John Kear has died at the age of 71.

Kear, one of the sport’s most respected figures, passed away on Sunday while travelling back from the Challenge Cup final.

He had been part of the BBC Sport commentary team for the match between Wigan and Hull KR at Wembley Stadium.

Castleford-born Kerr made 133 appearances for his hometown club between 1978 and 1988 before he subsequently moved into coaching.

Kear earned widespread acclaim for guiding Sheffield Eagles to a shock Challenge Cup final victory over Wigan in 1998.

He later coached a number of clubs including Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls

He was coach of the England team in the 2000 World Cup and led them to the semi-finals.