Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter confirmed that Springboks hooker Joseph Dweba is nearing a return to the match-day squad after missing the opening two competitive fixtures of the domestic season. The 30-year-old forward, who holds seven Test caps for his country, has yet to feature in the PREM Rugby Cup victory over Bristol Bears or the PREM opening defeat to Gloucester.
Squad Selection and Competition at Hooker
Dweba played 26 matches across all competitions and scored five tries during his first season in the English South West. However, Baxter explained that early-season selection hinged strictly on current form, with club stalwart Jack Yeandle and Louie Gulley occupying the position. Gulley marked his PREM debut with a try against Gloucester.
“Joseph’s fine and in full training, but we just went on form for the first selection,” Baxter said. “He’s training well, but like everyone else he’s just got to keep his head down and train well. His opportunities will come shortly. He’s not far away; he’s working hard and showing a good attitude in training.”
Baxter also noted internal competition at the position, pointing to the return of Max Norey. “Don’t forget we’ve got Max Norey as well, who was featuring a lot last season and is back fully fit. We’ve got really good competition around that hooker slot at the moment.”
Injury and Illness Updates Ahead of Bath Fixture
Exeter is dealing with a wave of illness and injuries ahead of their upcoming West Country fixture against Bath. Baxter reported that the squad’s health is improving despite lingering issues in camp.
“It looks a bit better,” Baxter said. “It’s interesting sitting in the meetings and listening to all the coughing and spluttering, but hopefully they’re in the end stages and getting through things. We’ve got more of a full squad in training.”
Outside back Tommy Wyatt is available for selection after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during PREM Rugby Cup action. Wyatt missed the entirety of last season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, meaning any appearance this weekend would mark his first PREM outing for the Chiefs in 16 months. “He’s back now, he’s over that shoulder bang he had. It wasn’t particularly bad, so that’s good news. He’s in full training now and available for selection,” Baxter stated.
Italian international Ross Vintcent is also nearing a comeback from a pre-season hamstring injury. Vintcent may return either this weekend or next week. “He’s close; whether this week is a week too early or not, we’ll have to wait and see,” Baxter noted. “We’ve just got to make sure we get him fully fit, especially with him being a high-speed athlete; you need them to go absolutely flat out at full speed.”
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