FORMER Bradford Northern and Leeds forward Bill Ramsey has died at the age of 76.

Despite only spending one year in a Northern shirt, he was part of the 1973-74 Division Two winning side after signing in the January of that season.

Ramsey began his career at Hunslet, where he spent five years learning his trade, then moved to Leeds for a sizeable £10,000 in 1967.

It was at Headingley where he enjoyed his best years, reaching 17 major finals and claiming seven winners medals.

He featured in the famous 1968 'Watersplash' Challenge Cup final against Wakefield and scored a drop goal in his team's 16-14 Championship final victory over Castleford at Odsal in 1969.

The Leeds-born player also won eight Lions caps and was twice a tourist following his 1965 Test debut.

After leaving Bradford in September 1974, Ramsey played at Hull FC and Widnes, before returning to his first club in a coaching capacity.

Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos both paid their condolences.

Rhinos said in a statement on their website: "A regular attendee at club functions in recent years as an active member of the players association, his loss is greatly felt by his many friends.

"On behalf of everyone at Leeds Rhinos, we would like to send our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this sad time."