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Former Super League and international head coach John Kier has died at the age of 71.
Kier passed the milestone of over 700 games as head coach in 2025 and was co-commentator on the BBC on Saturday for the Challenge Cup final.
He led Sheffield Eagles to the biggest upset in Challenge Cup final history when they beat Wigan at Wembley in 1998.
He achieved another major upset when he masterminded Hull FC’s cup victory over Leeds in the 2005 final in Cardiff.
In a statement, the RFL said: “The RFL today pays tribute to John Keir, who died suddenly on Sunday afternoon while returning north from Wembley as part of the BBC’s commentary team for the Challenge Cup final.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with John’s wife Dawn, his family and friends.”
Kier was England’s head coach during the 2000 World Cup, leading them to the semi-finals, before moving to Hull FC.
Following his years with the Black and Whites, Carey spent five years in charge of Wakefield, most famously helping them avoid relegation and condemning his hometown club Castleford to the Championship.
Kier had a long and successful career as a head coach
In 2011, Keir Batley took over and after six seasons in charge, the coach moved to Bradford Bulls after they were relegated to the Championship and stayed there until 2022.
In June 2025, Kier returned to Batley for a short spell that marked the end of his coaching career.
Kier had a long spell in charge of Wales from 2014 to 2025, coaching them in 15 matches which saw them win seven, lose seven and draw one.
Sky Sports would like to send their thoughts to his family and friends at Rugby League.
Sky Sports commentator Dave Woods, who became a close personal friend of Kier through their commentary partnership for the BBC, said: “This is devastating news for all of us, but especially Don and John’s family, and I’m sure the whole sport will join me in sending our deepest condolences.
“He was a great rugby league man, one of the most passionate and eloquent of campaigners for the sport, who relished the opportunity to do it on radio and television for the BBC.
“But I’ll just remember him as the best bloke, polite, friendly, cheerful, always smiling, happy to talk to anyone, especially about rugby league.”
