South African talent joins Exeter Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs have confirmed the signing of South African international hooker Joseph Dweba, who will join the club ahead of the 2025/26 season.

A standout performer for United Rugby Championship side DHL Stormers, Dweba has been with the South African club since 2022. The 29-year-old, who has also played in the French Top 14 with Bordeaux Bègles, is excited to make the move to Devon.

“I’m looking forward to becoming an Exeter Chief,” said Dweba. “I signed for the club because I believe it gives me the chance to be a part of something special that is about to happen in the coming seasons.”

Dweba, who made his Springboks debut in August 2021 against Argentina, brings a wealth of experience, having played at both Northern and Southern Hemisphere club levels.

Born in Carletonville, South Africa, he first developed his passion for rugby playing touch-rugby with friends before progressing through the Toyota Cheetahs and South Africa’s junior representative sides.

Chiefs’ Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, believes Dweba’s experience and dynamic playing style will be a major asset to the team.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have completed the signing of Joseph for Exeter Chiefs on a long-term contract,” said Baxter. “We really feel he is a player who will add a lot to the team, both at set piece and in his work around the field.

“He’s a proven international and a proven high-level rugby player. I think he’s one of those guys who can really become a fan-favourite here. He’s got a great personality, a bit of a larger-than-life type character.

“I think the quality of his play, the pivotal role he plays and his presence around the club will all be hugely positive for us. I really see him as a player who has got a large amount of experience while still having a lot of rugby left in him.

“I think he’ll really add a lot to the squad as we develop and move forward over the coming seasons. He’s a key signing for the club and I’d like to think it shows our intent to be moving forward to being a club that is featuring at the higher end of the Premiership in the future.”

Dweba will become the second new signing announced for the 2025/26 season as Exeter Chiefs continue to shape their squad for long-term success.