Joseph Dweba to spurn Sale Sharks offer

Joseph Dweba has reportedly declined an offer of a £45,000 salary increase from Sale Sharks to remain with the DHL Stormers in South Africa.

RugbyPass reported on Saturday in Fissler Confidential that Dweba wanted to stay in South Africa despite interest from the Sharks and a number of French clubs who have also shown interest in the 5'9, 112kg front rower.

Now according to Afrikaans Sunday newspaper Rapport; Dweba is set to stay in Cape Town despite the Stormers being prepared to release him from his contract - which lasts until June 2025 - early.

Despite a salary bump and no road-blocks, the former Bok hooker  - who had a spell in France with Bordeaux - has updated his WhatsApp status to "I'm here to stay."

The 28-year-old made 20 appearances for the Stormers last season but has fallen out of the top three in the Springbok selection order. Bulls hookers Johan Grobbelaar and Jan-Hendrik Wessels were chosen ahead of Dweba for the 39-player squad for the Test series against Ireland.

Dweba and fellow Stormers hooker Andre-Hugo Venter were placed on the 14-man standby list.

Dweba's loss of status as a 'Player of National Interest' has affected the Stormers offer to Dweba as they no longer receive a top-up contribution from SA Rugby to supplement his salary.

Dweba began his professional career with the Free State Cheetahs, making his debut in the Currie Cup in 2016. During his time with the Cheetahs, he made over 40 appearances and scored 15 points.

In 2020, Dweba moved to France to join Bordeaux Bègles in the Top 14. He played for Bordeaux for two seasons, making 24 appearances and scoring 10 points.

In 2022, Dweba returned to South Africa to join the DHL Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, although the move home hasn't worked in terms of his ascension in Rassie Erasmus' Springboks selection hierarchy.