Winds of change at the Ikeys

The FNB UCT Rugby club is in the midst of some great changes on various fronts ranging from coaches of various teams via a refurbished club house in the Sports Center to new management staff. Two 'new' players on the scene are Fallon Hope and Chelsea Fuller who take over from the outgoing Lisa Gagiano. 

Lisa, who has been a fantastic 1st team Manager and Club Administrator is joining husband and fellow Ikey JJ Gagiano in a move to Bath in early November. 

Chelsea Fuller who is about to complete her Post Grad studies in Sports Management will take over an administrative role in the club, as well as the team management of the U20 A side. 

Chelsea has proven herself managing the UCT 3rd side this season, she says: "I am a rugby fanatic and remember traveling out to Stellenbosch to watch the 2010 Varsity Cup final between Maties and Ikeys and I have been a major supporter ever since." When the opportunity came up to manage the 3rds, she grabbed it and has not looked back since. 

"I am really excited and have to say what makes UCT rugby so special are all the great people involved in it, so I am very lucky to have been given an opportunity to work at the club" 

The other 'new' face is Fallon Hope – by no means a stranger to the Green Mile and UCT rugby – she has been tasked with taking over the management of the 1st side. 

Fallon who has just completed her Masters in Sports Science, started at UCT rugby during her studies: "I worked with Dobbo (John Dobson) as a Bio for the U20s in our unbeaten 2007 season and stayed on supporting him and Tiaan (Campher) as a Bio during the Varsity Cup seasons 2008, 2009 and 2010" 

She has always stayed involved with the Ikeys U20s since even while working with Hamiltons Rugby in the 2012 season. Fallon runs the Sports and Exercise Medical Practice under Doc Wayne  Derman at the Sports Science Institute and is very excited about the challenges ahead: 

"I think the changes at UCT rugby are a great opportunity and will counter some of the traditional challenges such as funding and bona fide student numbers." she says praising the vibe and gees at the club. 

"I have already started working with Lisa now during a hand over period and am super excited for the season. We have a great squad for next year and I am part of it to win. I am super competitive! I hate losing!"   

Lisa Gagiano has agreed to stay involved remotely during the hand over period, while the reigns are passed on.  As a club we are delighted to have attracted such quality replacements and we wish Chelsea and Fallon all the best for the new season.