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Kear took over with Wales at a low ebb, having lost all three of their games in the 2014 European Championship.<\/p>\n
Although his tenure was marked by having limited numbers of players from top clubs to select from, Kear made his Wales sides both competitive and respected – by opponents and fans alike.<\/p>\n
The former Widnes, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Sheffield, Hull and Bradford boss will now concentrate on leading Batley Bulldogs, having returned to his former side in June as interim head coach until the end of the 2025 season – succeeding Moxon.<\/p>\n
Wales Rugby League chief executive Hibbard said: “Both John and Mark have made an incredible contribution to Wales Rugby League for over a decade.<\/p>\n
“After a disappointing 2013 World Cup campaign, they came into the coaching roles and had a big task ahead of them. To transform the team from bottom of the pile to European champions within 12 months is testament to their coaching credentials.<\/p>\n
“To qualify for successive World Cups is no mean feat. In 2022, the performances they were able to produce from a squad of almost exclusively part-time players is once again a credit to them both, their ability to motivate and inspire. <\/p>\n
“I know they are both proud Yorkshiremen but they really embraced what it meant to represent our country and we owe them a great deal for what they’ve done.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n