Joseph Dweba admits family sacrifice in Exeter move

South Africa hooker Joseph Dweba has spoken candidly about the challenges of moving overseas after joining Exeter Chiefs from the Stormers at the start of the Premiership season.

The 29-year-old has made four appearances for the Chiefs so far and scored a try in the Premiership Rugby Cup win over Bath. While he has enjoyed a solid start on the pitch, life off it has been more difficult.

Dweba revealed that his family initially moved with him to Devon but later returned to South Africa, where his wife is studying and his children are at school. The separation has left him adjusting to life alone in England.

“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 told to Rugbypass.

“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.”

The Springbok forward said technology helps him stay in touch but admitted this is the longest time he has been away from his family. Despite the difficulties, he accepts the sacrifices as part of his career abroad.