Maks van Dyk

Nicolaas Johannes John "Maks" van Dyk (born 21 January 1992) is a South African and French professional rugby union player for Houston Sabercats. His regular position is prop.

Career

Youth

As a scholar at Paarl Boys' High School, Van Dyk represented at the Under-18 Academy Week and Craven Week competitions in 2010. He then moved to Durban to join the academy. He played for the side during the 2011 Under-19 Provincial Championship competition and for the in 2012 – scoring three tries in the competition – and 2013.

2012 IRB Junior World Championship

In 2012, Van Dyk was part of the South Africa Under-20 side that won the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship held in South Africa. He made substitute appearances in the matches against Ireland and England and started the semi-final against Argentina and the final against New Zealand.

Sharks

Van Dyk made his first two first class appearances for the during the 2012 Vodacom Cup, coming on as a substitute against the in Bloemfontein and against the in Durban.

Van Dyk became a regular in the team during the 2013 Vodacom Cup, starting six of their eight matches (his first senior start coming against in Cape Town) and coming on as a substitute in the other two.

Griquas

Van Dyk joined Kimberley-based side prior to the 2014 season and was also included in the training squad for the Griquas' Super Rugby side, the . He made his Super Rugby debut for the Cheetahs in a 21–20 defeat to the in Bloemfontein.

Leinster

Van Dyk joined Irish Pro12 side Leinster on a two-month loan deal in November 2014 during the South African rugby off-season. He made his debut in Leinster's 21–11 victory over Irish rivals Connacht in Round 10 of the 2014–15 Pro12, his only appearance for the Dublin-based side.

Cheetahs

Van Dyk joined Port Elizabeth-based side for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, even though he was still available for the during the 2015 Super Rugby season. He joined in pre-season training with the Kings prior to the 2015 Currie Cup Premier Division, but negotiated an early release from his contract and a return to the without playing a match for the Kings.

Toulouse

Van Dyk moved to France to join prior to the 2016–17 Top 14 season.

Harlequins In August 2020, it was confirmed that van Dyk had signed a short-term with Harlequins for the remainder of the 2019–20 season.

Exeter Chiefs In November 2020 it was announced that van Dyk would join Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2020–21 season on an initial one-year deal.