Robi meets the Wallabies

16-year-old Robi Boscarino, seated second from right, meets his heroes - the Qantas Wallabies. From clockwise top left corner: Kerry (Robi's sister), Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Ryan Cross, Stephen Moore, James Horwill, Michael Foley (Assistant Coach), Kim (Robi's mum), Richard Brown, Robi, Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau.

The Qantas Wallabies didn’t only win friends on the field with their heroic performance against the Springboks last week in Perth. They were winning hearts off the field as well.

One Wallabies fan who was thrilled to meet the Men of Gold was 16-year-old Robi Boscarino (pictured centre) who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease on the 24^th May this year.

Robi’s mum Kim takes up the story.

“I’m the blonde on the right, Kerry (24) on the left is my daughter and Robi is in the middle” explains Kim. “Robi’s Dad is Gianni, but he couldn’t make it on the day. We also have another son Shane who is 22.”

“Robi has been an absolute inspiration to us all. He is so brave and so determined to beat the cancer.”

“He has had some horrible procedures to endure as well as the chemotherapy and hasn’t complained once even though I know how difficult this is for him because he has had to put all sport on hold until he is better.”

“Robi is an avid Rugby fan ! We love the Wallabies even though we are from South Africa (been in Perth 9 years). We are also avid Western Force supporters and never miss a game.”

“I emailed the Australian Rugby Union and asked if Robi could meet the players because I wanted to do something nice to reward his amazing attitude. You can imagine my delight when they responded and said they can set something up at Perry Lakes after the “Train and Play” day last weekend. That’s when the photo was taken.”

“The players were amazing, they took a genuine interest in Robi and he was thrilled to meet them. It totally took his mind of the cancer and the back-pain he was experiencing.”

Kim finished by adding: “I think everyone should know what a positive impact the Wallabies have on young men like Robi who are going through a tough time – it really does make a difference.”

“Robi is having a PET scan tomorrow at Sir Charles Gardner to check the progress of the chemo on the cancer and then he goes back into Princess Margaret Hospital on Wednesday for another 3 days of chemo and I know that his mind will be focused on his meeting with the Wallabies and watching that incredible win against the Springboks last night instead of the fear of his disease.”

Another Robbie, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, sent a personal message to Robi ahead of the big Bledisloe Cup clash at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

“All the Men of Gold wish Robi all the best” said Robbie, “and we will be doing our utmost to beat the All Blacks for you on Saturday night. Keep well and keep fighting.”

“Our thoughts are with you Robi, Kim and all the Boscarino family.”