Leigh wrote that the team was “desperately saddened” to learn of Bibey’s death while he was “on holiday in Italy”, adding: “Everyone at the club at this time extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
Wakefield wrote: “Trinity is saddened to learn of the passing of former prop-forward Ricky Bibey, aged 40. Ricky played for Trinity between 2007 and 2009 and made 60 appearances. We extend our condolences to Ricky’s family and friends at this difficult time. “
Bibey was a professional rugby player for over a decade until he retired in 2012 due to an Achilles tendon injury.
When he retired, Leigh said: “He is a big loss for us both on the pitch and around the club. Ricky has had a fantastic career and he has been a very good professional.”
Bibey is said to have worked as a real estate agent in the years following his retirement and previously ran a development company.
When contacted by the PA news agency, Florence’s police and hotel staff were unable to provide information about the incident, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) did not confirm any reports of the man’s identity.
An FCDO spokesperson said on Saturday: “We are in contact with Italian police following the death of a British man in Florence.”