Statement: Exeter Chiefs sign Springbok forward

Tuesday, 18 March 2025 at 20:44

bySteven Smith

Exeter Chiefs are making waves ahead of the 2025/26 season with their latest signing — Springbok hooker Joseph Dweba is heading to Sandy Park.

The powerful front-rower, who has been a standout for the DHL Stormers in the United Rugby Championship since 2022, is eager to embrace a new challenge in Devon.

“I’m excited to become an Exeter Chief,” Dweba said. “I signed because I believe something special is about to happen here, and I want to be part of it.”

The 29-year-old brings international pedigree to the Chiefs, having earned a handful of Springbok caps since his debut against Argentina in August 2021. Born in Carletonville, South Africa, Dweba’s love for the game ignited through touch rugby with friends — a passion that led him on a remarkable journey across both hemispheres.

Before returning home to the Stormers, Dweba spent two seasons in France with Bordeaux Bègles in the Top 14, following a successful stint honing his skills with the Toyota Cheetahs. A former South Africa Schools and Junior Springboks representative, Dweba’s experience is exactly what Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter is looking for as he builds for the future.

“We’re absolutely delighted to bring Joseph on board,” Baxter said. “He’s a proven international with a wealth of experience at the highest level. His impact at the set-piece and around the field will be huge for us.

“He’s got a larger-than-life personality and the quality of his play will make him a real fan favourite. He’s at a great stage of his career — plenty of experience but with a lot of rugby still ahead of him.

“Joseph is a key signing for us, and this move reflects our ambition to push back toward the top end of the Premiership in the coming seasons.”

2025 British & Irish Lions Squad: Bookies’ Predictions for the Tour

With the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia fast approaching, the bookmakers have released their early odds on who will make the squad.

While a lot can change between now and the final selection, these odds give a strong indication of who the bookies believe will be donning the famous red jersey next summer.

The bolded players in our proposed Lions squad represent the starting XV, according to current odds.

2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)

BACK-THREE (6)

Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) - 1/16
James Lowe (Ireland) - 1/8
Hugo Keenan (Ireland) - 1/5
Tommy Freeman (England) - 4/9
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) - 8/11
Darcy Graham (Scotland) - 2/1

CENTRE (4)

Bundee Aki (Ireland) - 1/5
Ollie Lawrence (England) - 1/4
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) - 2/7
Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) - 8/11

FLY-HALVES (3)

Fin Russell (Scotland) - 1/10
Fin Smith (England) - 8/15
Sam Prendergast (Ireland) - 8/11

SCRUM-HALVES (3)

Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) - 8/11
Alex Mitchell (England) - 11/10
Ben White (Scotland) - 11/10

PROP (3)

Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) - 1/8
Andrew Porter (Ireland) - 1/7
Zander Fagerson (Scotland) - 4/11
Ellis Genge (England) - 4/6
Fin Baxter (England) - 5/6
Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) - 5/4

HOOKER (3)

Dan Sheehan (Ireland) - 1/10
Jamie George (England) - 8/15
Luke Cowan-Dickie (England) - 6/5

LOCK (5)

Maro Itoje (England) - 1/33
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) - 1/10
Joe McCarthy (Ireland) - 4/6
Ollie Chessum (England) - 8/11
George Martin (England) - 11/10

BACK-ROW (6)

Caelan Doris (Ireland) - 1/5
Ben Earl (England) - 1/5
Josh van der Flier (Ireland) - 1/3
Tom Curry (England) - 8/15
Jack Morgan (Wales) - 4/6
Ben Curry (England) - 6/4

Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?

From the early days of professionalism to the modern era, England has seen a host of legendary captains wearing the armband.

Whether it's the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.

Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let's see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!

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