This page has been created so that the many people following Cosimo's progress can access up-to-date information about how he's doing. At the moment, Cosimo is in Florence Careggi Hospital C.T.O spinal unit. (The visiting times are Midday-3pm and 6pm-9pm.)

If you've been to see Cosimo and would like to pass on the latest news, please contact the webmaster.

26 september 2009: During last summer Cosimo started coming back to La Spezia, weekend after weekend. His family has moved into their new house given them by the local council and perfectly equipped for “Ciccio’s” new requirements…... his room is as big as the try area. The best news however is that very soon (probably mid October) Cosimo will be discharged from the C.T.O. Hospital in Florence, and will be back bugging as usual!!! Help!!

26 july 2009: Last week end Cosimo came back to La Spezia, and so we indulged in another dinner at Cadimare, but this time a HUGE surprise was awaiting him.
In recent months our association contacted the New Zealand Rugby Football Union, which proved to be, to say the least, exceptional? Fantastic? Wonderful? And what did they do to baptise this new friendship? Before the last Test Match against Italy, they autographed one of their shirts and sent it to us. Here are some photoes of the moment when Cosimo receives the shirt and the note which accompanied it.
The emotion was just wee incredible to say the least.

4 july 2009: After almost one month Cosimo returned to La Spezia for the weekend. We managed to dribble round mamma’ Maria’s strong defence and get to the famous Cadimare Mussel Fair, organised by our friends Società di Mutuo Soccorso , who once again showed their great affection for Cosimo by keeping us the best table. Dinner was on the house for Cosimo and they made us feel at home. A great big thanks to all of you!!
If you want to see some photoes of the event click on the picture below.

21 june 2009: Well yes it’s a while since we updated you regarding Cosimo’s condition… and we apologise Let’s say that the young man is in fine fighting form, laughing, joking and being a pest in other words being himself. He’s making the nurses, his mum and friends mad and is beginning to have some weekends at home. Heaven knows what’s next!!

8 april 2009: Today Cosimo went out for his very first Florence sightseeing since he's living there! Along with his mother Maria, Marco, Paolone and Lorenzo he hanged around in this astonishing city...and here's some pictures!

29 march 2009: Spezia Rugby played and lost today in Iolo (PO) against Union Rugby Tirreno, but a ray of light came from Cosimo's presence! He took some hours out of the hospital and gave us some of his typical smiles...and here they are!

24 march 2009: A special thank to Nick Mallett, head coach of the italian Rugby team, who visit Cosimo today...the guy had almost an heart attack! The following is the only picture of the event!

4 march 2009: Our hero has been transferred to the green zone of the ward and has made some short trips out of the building. The first place he headed for ? You guessed it - the restaurant!

16 february 2009: Excellent news on the medical side - the latest tests have confirmed that the first lot of surgery went well! Cosimo now can stay seated without the bulky and annoying collar...come on!

10 february 2009: Well...we managed to cheer our champion up a bit with a couple of victories (even though they were not too convincing) in the last two fixtures of the championship - the first against out friends from Pistoia, and the second one against Arieti Arezzo. As far as the physical conditions are concerned, apart from an annoying fever, our champion is keeping his spirits up and is out of bed and able to move around the wards in a wheel chair…also on a positive note, "Ciccio" has got his own PC now, so let's write to him. His typing skills are returning, so he's got no excuse for not replying!

23 january 2009: A small dent in Cosimo's morale - we lost to Rufus, ...a loss that "Ciccio" didn't really like much. On the positive side, he's now able to tuck into some good food without needing anyone's help, which can only help with his recovery and morale ...I hope that he will allow us to come and visit him again!

31 december 2008: Cosimo started the physio a few days ago - he spends an hour a day in the gym and he is now working on the reabilitation of his hands, having already regained mobility in his arms!

14 december 2008: After a match played in Montelupo Fiorentino, the entire Spezia Rugby team went to visit Cosimo to bring him the news of the victory. Despite a bit of fever, Cosimo was in good spirits. His arm movements are back to normal, although he still has difficulties in opening his hands.