Wakefield deny England Kear link

Wakefield have denied rumours that the RFL have approached John Kear about the vacant England coaches role.

The national team is currently seeking a full time replacement for Tony Smith, who resigned his post following the Four Nations campaign in the autumn.

Although Smith finished in a part-time capacity, having taken on the role as Warrington boss earlier in the season, the RFL have stated they are looking for his replacement to take up the position on a full-time basis.

An official spokesman for the Wildcats said: “John Kear has two years of his contract remaining with this club and there has not been any approach for him to take a job away from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.
 
“John Kear has said that he is looking forward to working with the Wildcat team in 2010 and he is a valued member of the staff here at the Hearwell Stadium.”

The RFL maintain they will not be rushed in to an appointment, with England‘s next scheduled game expected to be the mid-season international against France.

Smith led England to a test series whitewash victory over New Zealand in 2007, and was boss for the 2008 World Cup campaign.

He took over from Brian Noble in 2006 after the RFL decided that the job would become a full-time position. Previously, Noble had combined the coaching role with his job at Bradford and then Wigan.