The whispers of Joseph Dweba’s struggles to adapt to life in England have been robustly dismissed by Exeter Chiefs’ director of rugby, Rob Baxter. Despite a promising debut season with the Chiefs after his move from the Stormers, the former Springbok hooker's recent absence from the lineup has sparked rumors. Dweba, who has contributed five tries in 15 matches, found himself sidelined post the Premiership Cup final loss to Leicester Tigers, missing the subsequent game against Sale Sharks.
Addressing the speculation, Baxter made it clear that Dweba's situation is under control. “I think he misses his family without a doubt. But the plan is that they’ll be over here shortly now. I think they’re coming over this summer. So, there’s absolutely no reason for him not to be settled in more than he is now,” Baxter stated in a conversation with RugbyPass.
“I think he’s fitted in really well. It’s clearly not easy. We gave him some additional time, obviously, to make it worth travelling back to South Africa, spending time with his family.”
Baxter continued to commend Dweba’s professional demeanor despite the challenges. “He got held up, not being able to fly back through the Middle East, because of all the bits and pieces that happened. But, you know, those issues will happen every now and again, but I think Joseph’s handled it really well.”
The director of rugby also highlighted Dweba’s significance to the team's performance this season. “I think he’s been one of the factors in improving large parts of how we played over the season. I think without doubt, I think Joe knows he was a bit off the pace in the Premiership Cup final. But he’s back on it now, he’s working hard, doing lots of extras. He’s going to get sharp again, and he’ll be back in the side relatively quickly.”
“He’s been very professional about things and how he has to get on with stuff. So, no, he’s dealing with it as best he can. I can only see things improving in that realm, not getting worse.”
Baxter remains optimistic about Dweba’s future contributions to the Chiefs, expecting a swift return to form and asserting his pivotal role in the squad’s ongoing development. With the family reunion on the horizon, the hooker’s full potential is yet to be unleashed as he continues to adapt and overcome the initial hurdles of his transition.
2,100 posts
The whispers of Joseph Dweba’s struggles to adapt to life in England have been robustly dismissed by Exeter Chiefs’ director of rugby, Rob Baxter. Despite a promising debut season with the Chiefs after his move from the Stormers, the former Springbok hooker's recent absence from the lineup has sparked rumors. Dweba, who has contributed five tries in 15 matches, found himself sidelined post the Premiership Cup final loss to Leicester Tigers, missing the subsequent game against Sale Sharks.
Addressing the speculation, Baxter made it clear that Dweba's situation is under control. “I think he misses his family without a doubt. But the plan is that they’ll be over here shortly now. I think they’re coming over this summer. So, there’s absolutely no reason for him not to be settled in more than he is now,” Baxter stated in a conversation with RugbyPass.
“I think he’s fitted in really well. It’s clearly not easy. We gave him some additional time, obviously, to make it worth travelling back to South Africa, spending time with his family.”
Baxter continued to commend Dweba’s professional demeanor despite the challenges. “He got held up, not being able to fly back through the Middle East, because of all the bits and pieces that happened. But, you know, those issues will happen every now and again, but I think Joseph’s handled it really well.”
The director of rugby also highlighted Dweba’s significance to the team's performance this season. “I think he’s been one of the factors in improving large parts of how we played over the season. I think without doubt, I think Joe knows he was a bit off the pace in the Premiership Cup final. But he’s back on it now, he’s working hard, doing lots of extras. He’s going to get sharp again, and he’ll be back in the side relatively quickly.”
“He’s been very professional about things and how he has to get on with stuff. So, no, he’s dealing with it as best he can. I can only see things improving in that realm, not getting worse.”
Baxter remains optimistic about Dweba’s future contributions to the Chiefs, expecting a swift return to form and asserting his pivotal role in the squad’s ongoing development. With the family reunion on the horizon, the hooker’s full potential is yet to be unleashed as he continues to adapt and overcome the initial hurdles of his transition.