Stormers hooker Dweba joins Exeter Chiefs

JOHANNESBURG - Springbok and Stormers hooker Joseph Dweba is leaving the Cape franchise at the end of the season to begin a new chapter in his career.

English Premiership club Exeter Chiefs have confirmed signing Dweba ahead of the 2025/26 campaign after spending three years in Cape Town.

"I’m looking forward to becoming an Exeter Chief. 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," said Dweba.

Dweba has been an integral part of the Stormers since he joined John Dobson’s team from French club Bordeaux Begles in 2022. He quickly made the number 2 jersey his own and helped the team reach the 2023 URC final, where they lost to Munster at the DHL Stadium.

The Chiefs are gaining an experienced campaigner who has represented the world-champion Springboks on six occasions. Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, hopes Dweba's addition to his squad will be an important one in rebuilding for the future. Exeter have won two Premiership titles in recent years and were crowned European champions in 2020 but are currently a struggling club, as they sit in ninth place out of 10 teams in their league.

"We’re absolutely delighted to have completed the signing of Joseph for Exeter Chiefs on a long-term contract. 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 favorite here. He’s got a great personality, a bit of a larger-than-life type character," Baxter said.