Joubert (31) became a New Zealand citizen this week, saying he wanted to confirm his love for the country, which started when he first arrived on these shores in early 2008.
The South African-born former Otago loose forward, who picked up numerous injuries in his career, said he had felt at home in New Zealand as soon as he arrived.
''I committed so much to this country and it has given so much back to me. It [getting citizenship] was just the logical thing to do,'' he said.
''I would have loved to have done it earlier but now I'm a father and husband, it was now the right time to do it.''
Joubert said he was very happy in Dunedin.
''I love it here. Have since the first day I arrived. Things can always change, things that are out of your control, but we are very settled here.''
Joubert arrived in Dunedin after a rugby career in South Africa, where he played in the lower-tier Vodacom Cup but never cracked Super rugby or played in the Currie Cup.
He was always told by South African coaches he was too small and did not have the size to mix it at higher levels.
But he had plenty of heart, and quickly won admirers in the South with his gutsy play when he made his debut for Otago in 2008.
He played an outstanding game, forced off injured, when Otago put in a gallant Ranfurly Shield challenge against Southland in 2010.
Joubert dislocated his shoulder in that game and a serious neck injury a couple of seasons later effectively ended his playing career. His only involvement in the game now is as a ''one-eyed'' Harbour supporter.
He played 18 games for Otago and captained the side in 2011, although his season was shortened by a knee injury.
Joubert and German-born wife Melanie married in Moeraki last March, and son Carl turns 1 next week.
A trained schoolteacher, Joubert is the head of sales and marketing for gas fire manufacturer Eseca in Dunedin, while his wife works for agribusiness consulting company AbacusBio.
