Martin Jourdain

Talker of gibberish. Like music (James, Sophia, TBS), Cas RLFC, Patriots, cricket.

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

Christ, not extra time. Someone get a winner.

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

The West Yorkshire conurbation right now...

https://t.co/U6Y2nj0FFx

[Sheffield Eagles @SheffieldEagles]

Sheffield Eagles are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Head Coach John Kear.

One of rugby league’s most respected and influential figures, John joined Sheffield Eagles in 1997 and will forever be remembered for leading the club to one of the greatest upsets in the sport’s history. In 1998, he guided the Eagles to a famous 17-8 victory over Wigan Warriors at Wembley Stadium, securing the Challenge Cup for the first time in our history.

After three seasons with the Eagles, John took charge of the merged Huddersfield–Sheffield side in 2000 before embarking on a successful coaching career across several clubs in the sport. Among his most notable achievements was his spell with Hull FC, where he guided the club to Challenge Cup glory in 2005, overseeing their victory over Leeds Rhinos in Cardiff.
Over the course of his career, John also held coaching roles with Wakefield Trinity, Batley Bulldogs, Bradford Bulls and Widnes Vikings. Earlier in his coaching journey, he led Bramley and Paris Saint-Germain and also spent time as an assistant coach with Wigan Warriors.

John’s standing within the game that he was entrusted with coaching at international level, leading France in 1997, England at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup and Wales from 2014 to 2025. His contribution to rugby league, both domestically and internationally, will be remembered for generations to come.

Across a coaching career spanning more than 700 professional matches, he earned a reputation as a passionate leader, outstanding communicator and tireless ambassador for rugby league.

He later received The Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association 2025 Merit Award winner, for services to the sport and its presentation in the media, as well as an Outstanding Contribution Award at last season’s Rugby League Awards Dinner following his retirement last year.

Everyone at Sheffield Eagles is saddened by John's passing. He will always be remembered as the coach who delivered our finest hour and as a man whose passion for rugby league touched countless players, staff and supporters throughout the game.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with John’s wife Dawn, his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, John.

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

Such sad news.

[Castleford Tigers @CTRLFC]

Castleford Tigers are saddened to learn of the passing of former player and Rugby League Legend John Kear, who died on Sunday aged 71.

Kear was a Castleford lad, born on Wheldon Road, he would go on to spend a decade in hometown black and amber after making his debut for the club against St Helens at Knowsley Road on 1st October 1978.

Part of the 1986 Challenge Cup winning squad as Mal Reilly's assistant, John made 133 first team appearances for the club, turning down other offers numerous times to stay loyal to his hometown. A true one club man.

After making his final appearance in September 1987, Kear would go on to enjoy a glittering coaching career, the defining moment of which saw him lead underdogs Sheffield Eagles to Cup Final glory against Wigan in 1998, as well as coaching in three Rugby League World Cups and leading Hull FC to a Challenge Cup over Leeds in 2005 at Cardiff.

Alongside his coaching duties, John was a regular in the broadcast booth, his knowledge and passion for the game shining through as a pundit and commentator.

A popular figure throughout the sport, we would like to send our deepest and most sincere condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

Huge thunderstorm rumbling away here in West Yorkshire. Can't help but sing Sometimes by @wearejames!

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

@YWHelp Thanks for replying. Will there be any bottled water delivered? There are kids, pregnant women, animals, etc, that will need water on a day as hot as this.

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

@YWHelp very low pressure/no water in WF10 2GN, Allerton Bywater. Understand there's a burst main in Castleford? Any ETA or bottled water delivery planned?

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

@YWHelp No water at all.

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

Miles forward!

[Wakefield Trinity @WTrinityRL]

27: TRRRRRY TRINITY!!!

FAATILI!!!! And the game flips on its head! Mason Lino sends Caius Faatili over!

🔵⚪️ 8-8 ⚜️⚜️

#UpTheTrin

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

That's got to be one of the best, most complete, performances of the past few years. #coyf

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

Been out and about this morning...

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

@FXMC1957 Remember that moment well. Always makes me chuckle that he walked off with his packet of cigs!

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

I should go out for dinner and miss Cas games all the time...

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

He's certifiably insane

[Aaron Rupar @atrupar]

President Trump: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP”

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

@leedsrhinos Such sad news. Sincere condolences to the Burrow family and their friends.

[Leeds Rhinos @leedsrhinos]

It is with deep sadness that the club has learnt of the passing of Geoff Burrow, the father of Rob Burrow. Our deepest condolences go to Geoff's wife Irene and the whole Burrow family at this time. May he rest in peace
https://t.co/G9fjrLj99F

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

Made hard work of it. Maps and QQ were great. Discipline and defence need work. Just glad we got a win.

[Castleford Tigers @CTRLFC]

CASTLEFORD RUGBY LEAGUE. WE BOUNCE BACK.

#COYF | @BidfoodUK

[Betfred Super League @SuperLeague]

A marvellous hat-trick for Qareqare! 😎

#SuperLeague

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

@Pleyndamour Man In The High Castle. Dark. Any of the Turning Point series. Any of the Untold series. The algorithm will start to fill in connections on Netflix!

[Martin Jourdain @jourdmart]

They could be down to 10 and still batter us.

[Castleford Tigers @CTRLFC]

60' Kick through from Asi and Lane is held back by Toby King - yellow card for the Wire man and they're down to twelve for the next ten minutes.

Wire 56-6 Cas

#COYF