Malcolm Alker: Former Salford and England hooker dies aged 45

Former Salford captain Malcolm Alker has died at the age of 45.

Hooker Alker spent his entire career with the club, making 292 appearances, and was first named captain in 2000 when he was 21.

He scored 75 tries for Salford and also had a spell as assistant coach, as well as winning two international caps for England in 2005.

A Salford statement said:, external "All our thoughts are with Malcolm's family and friends at this difficult time."

Alker retired through injury in 2010 and his 16-year association with Salford ended the following year.

In 2018 he was given a four-year prison sentence for armed robbery.