Ex rugby league player Ricky Bibey dies suddenly in Italy

Reports suggest ex-Saints, Leigh, Wigan, Wakefield and Oldham prop Ricky Bibey  was found dead in a hotel room in Florence on Saturday and his death is subject to a police investigation.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson confirmed: “We are in touch with the Italian police following the death of a British man in Florence.”

Bibey featured against Warrington Wolves many times during his career in Super League.

Ricky Bibey playing for Leigh against Warrington in a pre-season friendly in 2011. Picture: Mike Boden

The former Leigh East junior won the Challenge Cup with Wigan at Murrayfield in 2002 and St Helens at Cardiff in 2004.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Saint Ricky Bibey.

Ricky played 21 times for us and was part of the 2004 @TheChallengeCup winning squad that defeated Wigan.

All our thoughts are with Ricky’s friends and family at this terrible time. #COYS pic.twitter.com/FTji2JcII9

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) July 17, 2022

Ricky Bibey in action for Saints

There have been a number of tributes on social media, including this one from former Warrington Wolves skipper Chris Hill.

Absolutely gutted hear this news, yes mad as box of frogs on the field but nicest bloke ever off it and helped me so much with my game growing up 😢 RIP mate 😘 https://t.co/frvAAUYr67

— Chris Hill (@Chrishilly1987) July 17, 2022

So sorry to hear of the passing of @Saints1890 @LeighCenturions Ricky Bibey! Thoughts are with all his family and friends at this sad time #RIPRicky pic.twitter.com/a3kk0tQdJR

— Steve Prescott MBE (@StevePrescott1) July 17, 2022

Trinity are saddened to hear of the passing of former prop-forward Ricky Bibey, aged 40.

Ricky played for Trinity between 2007 and 2009, making 60 appearances.

We send our condolences to Ricky's family and friends at this tough time. ❤ pic.twitter.com/ZAEqH5iYxo

— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) July 17, 2022

All at the club are saddened to hear about the death of our former junior Ricky Bibey who passed away on holiday. Ricky played professionally for a number of clubs including Leigh, Wigan, St Helens and Wakefield. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

— LeighEast (@LeighEast) July 17, 2022