Bok hooker Joseph Dweba opens up on personal challenges after Exeter move

Dweba began a new chapter in his rugby career with Exeter Chiefs when he joined the Premiership side from the Stormers at the start of the season.

While the move marks an exciting opportunity on the field, it has also meant a significant personal adjustment for the 29-year-old, who is now living apart from his family for an extended period.

Speaking to Rugbypass, Dweba revealed that his family initially travelled with him to Devon but have since left him all by his lonesome.

"The family came over to see me off. They went back to South Africa, where my wife is studying and my son and daughter are at school. So I'm basically by myself," Dweba revealed.

"I miss my kids. They are a big driving factor for why I do things, and not having them around is a bit tough. It was okay for the first couple of weeks, but going into your flat and just looking at four walls, you want them next to you.

"I speak to them every day. It's not easy, but we catch up as best we can. Obviously, technology helps a lot, but this is the longest I've been away from them. Previously, it was three weeks when I'd go on tour with South Africa.

"Definitely, this is the longest time I've been without them. But it's a sacrifice that we all have to make. I'm not the first one, and I'm not going to be the last one.

"But as a man, you need to make sure your family is sorted out."

Dweba's move to Exeter came with options, including a lucrative offer from Sale Sharks, but he chose to prioritize his family and personal circumstances over financial gain.

"I didn't jump at it straight away because my wife [Nomonde] and I were still deciding if she was going to study or not.

"When she decided to study, I didn't jump into the offer because I wanted her to follow her dreams [of becoming a lawyer].

"She has been following my dreams for such a long time, so I thought I would sacrifice a little bit and stick it out for her, but things didn't work out as planned.

“So, we sat down and said I've got this opportunity [Exeter]; I'd be stupid not to take it. I didn't take the other opportunity, but then this one came through, and we said I'd be stupid not to take it.”