KEAR FOCUSED ON WILDCATS

Wakefield Wildcats boss John Kear has played down reports linking him with the England coaching vacancy.

The 55-year-old, who was in charge of the national side during the 2000 World Cup, has been tipped as a potential successor to Tony Smith, who quit the job earlier this month.

"While I'm extremely flattered to be linked with the national team, I still have a job to do at Wakefield," said Kear.

"Nobody from the Rugby Football League has been in touch with me or the club and I'm concentrating on the task in hand at the Hearwell Stadium. That is my priority."

Kear, who led Sheffield and Hull to Challenge Cup success, was among the favourites for the England position along with Mike Ford, the England rugby union defence coach.

Bradford Bulls coach Steve McNamara, Hull KR boss Justin Morgan and Ellery Hanley have also been linked with the role.

Previous Story

Next Story