The Exeter Chiefs are set to welcome Joseph Dweba back for their PREM Rugby Cup final against the Leicester Tigers this Sunday, following his absence from the semi-final due to travel complications stemming from geopolitical unrest in Iran.
The formidable Springbok front-rower, credited with five touchdowns across 14 outings for the Chiefs, had journeyed to his native South Africa for a family visit subsequent to the January 24 loss to the Bristol Bears.
Dweba, aged 30, who had featured in the initial two stages of the tournament in September, was scheduled to rejoin the squad in Devon in anticipation of their semi-final clash against the Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens.
However, his return journey from South Africa, routed through Dubai, experienced a cancellation due to the regional hostilities, preventing his timely arrival for Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter’s selection considerations.
Exeter’s Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, remarked, “We would have likely included him in the semi-final lineup, primarily to secure him some valuable match time after his three or four-week hiatus.”
He elaborated, “Due to the unfolding situation in Iran, his flight originating from South Africa was set to transit through Dubai, coinciding precisely with the escalation of events that weekend.”
“Consequently, all flights were grounded and suspended. Fortunately, he secured a flight mid-week, but we concluded it was too late to integrate him, considering he only had a few days of preparation.”
Baxter also expressed, “I’m somewhat relieved that our PREM Cup schedule concluded a week before the semi-final week, which, naturally, allowed us to grant the players a period of rest.”
He added, “Thankfully, none of our squad members opted to travel to Dubai for a short break, meaning we didn’t have anyone else stranded there. We consider ourselves quite lucky in that regard.”
Baxter, who has contended with a scarcity of fit forwards recently, confirmed that both Richard Capstick and Christ Tshiunza have resumed full training and are cleared for travel.
Meanwhile, Tom Hooper and Ross Vintcent might be ready for their return to Gallagher PREM action next week, facing off against the Sale Sharks.
Regarding Hooper, Baxter stated, “Tom is making significant strides. I’m pleased to report he has been undertaking substantial running drills on the pitch.”
He continued, “Therefore, should he maintain this rate of improvement throughout the week, there’s no impediment to him participating in full training sessions next week.”
Baxter further noted, “Ross Vintcent is also nearing a return. Manny (Feyi-Waboso) trails them slightly but is showing excellent progress. Scott Sio is likewise on the verge of full fitness.”
He added, “Len Ikitau is recovering steadily, although his shoulder injury appears somewhat more severe than our initial assessment. He remains at least two to three weeks away from returning.”
Baxter concluded by saying, “It appears our squad depth will improve considerably and rapidly. Over the coming fortnight, specifically, we anticipate another cohort of players to return, with everyone expected to be available within a month.”
