It is sad to report the passing of former Saints’ front-rower Ricky Bibey aged 40 whilst on holiday in Italy. Ricky is one of an exclusive group of players who have won Challenge Cup winner’s medals with both St Helens [2004] and Wigan Warriors [2002 – against St Helens].
Born 22nd September 1981
Died 16th July 2022
Saints Heritage Number #1137
Born in Leigh, Ricky first came to prominence with Wigan Warriors, making 42 appearances and scoring two tries before he joined rivals Saints for the 2004 campaign. He toured the South Pacific with England A in 2002, together with Saints’ representatives Mike Bennett, Ade Gardner, Mark Edmondson and Micky Higham.
At well over six feet and 17 stones and the possessor of good handling skills, he was perfectly suited for duty in the front row, although he could also turn out in the back row if required. He played in 21 matches for the Saints under Coach Ian Millward, with 4 starts and 17 from the bench. His debut was against Widnes Vikings in a 38-20 victory at Knowsley Road in front of a five-figure attendance. He was on the bench with James Roby, Micky Higham and Mark Edmondson.
He also took part in the famous 32-16 Challenge Cup final win over his former club at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on 15th March in front of over 70,000 fans. His galloping ‘hitch kick’ break late in the piece was one of the many memorable moments of a fabulous occasion.
Ricky’s last match in the red vee was at Warrington in a closely fought 26-24 success at the Halliwell Jones. James Roby, Chris Joynt and Mike Bennett joined him on the interchange bench.
His rugby league odyssey also included spells at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats [2007-09], Oldham [2005] and three spells with Leigh Centurions [2003, 2006 and 2010-12]. Ricky won a Northern Rail Cup final with the Centurions in 2006 and retired in 2012 after an injury to his Achilles tendon. It is believed he later coached at Oldham St Annes ARLFC.
Everyone at St Helens R.F.C. send their condolences to Ricky’s family at this sad time.
