Championship

Rugby league legend John Kear makes Championship coaching return

by
Sam Brocksom
June 26, 2025

Wales international boss, John Kear, has returned to rugby league club coaching after two years away. He will re-join a familiar club, as he takes the helm at Batley Bulldogs for the rest of the 2025 season.

Kear managed the Bulldogs from 2011-2016, and guided them to three playoff campaigns, including a Championship Grand Final appearance in 2013. The 70-year-old will take charge for the remainder of the year before the club announces a longer-term coach for 2026 and beyond.

Since his departure at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, he has gone on to manage Bradford, from 2018-2022 before a shorter stint at Widnes Vikings until mid-2023.

Speaking on the announcement, Batley chairman Kevin Nicholas, told the club’s social channels: “We decided that we needed to get an experienced coach that would take us to the end of the year, before reassessing and getting a new coach next season.

He added: “In my view, it is a great achievement getting him back to the club. He will take us to the new year and hopefully improve things as best he can.”

Rugby league icon returns to former club

Batley currently sit 11th in the Championship table, and two weeks ago parted company with Mark Moxon, who had been at the club since the start of 2024. They have won just four of their 17 games in all competitions, and after a 10th-place finish last season it is clear the West Yorkshire side needed a change.

Kear is known for being a coach that can provide upsets and thrives on being the underdog. In 1998, when coaching Sheffield Eagles, he guided them to arguably the greatest ever rugby league shock as they defeated Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup Final.

Then, in 2005, he guided Hull FC to a 25-24 Challenge Cup Final win over Leeds Rhinos.

In 2019, whilst head coach of Championship side Bradford, he beat the Rhinos once again in the cup, knocking out their old rivals 24-22.

He will also continue in his role as the head coach of Wales, at international level. He has held that position since 2014 and has overseen two World Cup campaigns with the Red Dragons.