Ex-St Helens, Wigan and Leigh prop Ricky Bibey has died, aged 40

He was aged 40.

Reports suggest Mr Bibey was found dead in a hotel room in Florence on Saturday and his death is subject to a police investigation.

An 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 was a member of Saints 2004 Challenge Cup winning team at Cardiff - adding to the medal he won with Wigan at Murrayfield in 2002.

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

He played 21 times for Saints in that 2004 season under Ian Millward before moving on.

Ricky Bibey in action for Saints

There have been a number of tributes on social media already this morning.

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

A former Leigh East junior, Bibey joined Saints from Wigan in October 2003 and went on to play with Leigh Centurions, Wakefield and Oldham.

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