A FORMER Super League player has died suddenly in Italy aged 40.

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.

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

Warrington Guardian: Ricky Bibey in action for SaintsRicky 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.