Now it is Otago rugby that is reaping the benefits of that decision.
Joubert had a stand-out game on the flank for Otago against Bay of Plenty on Saturday night, running good lines and making yards whenever he had the ball.
The 26-year-old said his game had improved markedly since he came to Dunedin in April last year from Pretoria, South Africa.
That improvement, he said, could be put down to coaching, which was much different here from that in South Africa.
"In New Zealand, there is a lot more emphasis on personal player development. In South Africa, if they think a player hasn't got a specific skill, then they just go and get someone who they think is better," he said.
"My game in New Zealand has improved since I got here. Back home it was usually the big guys taking the ball up and smaller guys like me being there in support. But here I've really learnt to be a link between forwards and backs and running better lines. Guys around here are really supportive."
Joubert's route to the Otago squad was a roundabout one.
He was born in Pretoria and went to Wonderboon High School, not a noted rugby school.
Always small, he played in the loose forwards right through school and was good enough to win a rugby scholarship to the University of Pretoria.
Studying education, he stayed in the Bulls system and made the Blue Bulls side for the Vodacom Cup, the provincial rugby competition played in South Africa at the same time as the Super 14.
But his size counted against him in an area where bigger was seen as very much better.
"I was always on the fringes and they always seemed to go for bigger players. But there was a 10s tournament in Malaysia and they wanted a few guys from the Bulls."
Coaching at the Malaysia tournament in late 2007 were former Otago All Blacks Duncan Robertson and Jeff Matheson.
They saw the potential in Joubert and asked him if he wanted to come and play rugby in Dunedin.
He contacted Otago assistant coach Bruce Carvell, who made no promises but said Joubert would be considered if he came to Dunedin.
Joubert jumped at the chance and has never looked back.
"It was a big decision but not a hard decision. If you're a rugby player and get the chance to play in New Zealand, you could hardly turn it down."
Joubert works as a housemaster at Otago Boys High School hostel, and as a relief teacher at the school in his spare time.
He is aiming to get bigger, having increased in weight from about 75kg when he left school to more than 100kg.
He enjoys the lifestyle in Dunedin, with its relaxed and safe atmosphere, but does not know what the future holds for him.
"As for now I just want to concentrate on the next game. Am I available for Super 14? I don't know. I just want to get out and play rugby."
Whether Joubert will play for Otago on Saturday against Taranaki in New Plymouth is yet to be decided.
Carvell said All Black Adam Thomson was about 90% likely to play after having last week off.
No 8 Steven Setephano has a bruised shoulder and a decision on his availability will be made tomorrow.
