Wales rugby coach forced to miss game after being hospitalised
Wales rugby league head coach John Kear was forced to miss his side's latest game after being hospitalised.
Wales defeated Serbia 48-0 in a Rugby League World Cup qualifier in Carcasonne on Tuesday evening, but due to being admitted to hospital last weekend, Kear couldn't make it.
It is not known what happened, but Kear remained there on Monday and Tuesday for further tests. It's been confirmed that he has since left hospital.
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Wales Rugby League made a statement on Kear's absence, saying: "Kear was admitted to hospital on Sunday night with the support of WRL medical staff. He remained in hospital on Monday and Tuesday while doctors carried out a series of tests, before being discharged late on Tuesday afternoon.
"All at Wales Rugby League send their best wishes to John, and ask everyone to respect the privacy of him and his family so he can focus on making a full recovery."
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Assistant coach Mark Moxon took control of the team instead, as they cruised to victory in southern France's Languedoc region. Speaking after the win, Moxon said: "I've been speaking to John for the last couple of days and he sent me a text right after the game. He's delighted with the result and the performance, and delighted with the zero as well.
"Credit has to go the whole group and the staff. Everyone has taken on a few extra roles but everybody has dug in and done the right thing for the group. I'm sure that will be a massive tonic for John and he'll be getting well soon."
Wales will now face France in the play-off final on Saturday, October 26. The winner of that will earn a place in the 2025 World Series, where places will be up for grabs for the actual World Cup.
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Wales RL also explained that assistant manager Moxon, who is also head coach of Batley Bulldogs, will remain at the helm for this weekend's crunch clash.