Exeter Chiefs' director of rugby, Rob Baxter, is staking high hopes on Joseph Dweba, the latest Springbok addition to the squad, predicting a powerful revival in his international rugby career similar to the resurgence seen in Exeter's former Wallabies, Dean Mumm and Nic White. Baxter’s confidence comes despite Dweba’s absence from the Springboks since 2023.
Dweba, a dynamic hooker, transitioned to Exeter Chiefs from the Stormers for the 2025/26 season. With only six Test caps to his name, his move is seen as a strategic play to reclaim his spot on South Africa's national team. Baxter drew parallels between Dweba’s circumstances and those of Mumm and White, who both rejuvenated their international careers following successful stints at Exeter.
"Nic's still playing now, he left us four years ago. We signed him when he wasn't in any international recognition at all, played two seasons with us and has never stopped playing for Australia since,"
"Dean Mumm was the same, he dropped out of international recognition, had an OK season with the Waratahs, came back, was inspirational for us to the degree that Australia wanted him back for a World Cup. I don’t see Joseph being any different in his career, there is a lot left in him."
Baxter expressed his anticipation for the hooker's impact this season, emphasizing a revitalized player contributing to a revitalized team. Dweba’s debut in the Prem Rugby Cup, although a loss against Gloucester, showcased his ability to enhance the team's set-piece performance significantly.
Baxter noted Dweba’s proactive approach to improvement, "He is doing every training session. He is getting out of training field doing everything, he’s coming to the coaches for feedback on sessions and games, so I’m personally really pleased with what he is doing."
With Dweba's recent performances, both in a friendly against the Welsh team Ospreys and the competitive environment, it's clear that Baxter's faith in his new recruit might just be the catalyst Dweba needs to springboard back into the international arena.