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Maks van Dyk
Nicolaas Johannes John "Maks" van Dyk (born 21 January 1992) is a South African and French[1] professional rugby union player for Houston Sabercats.[2] His regular position is prop. CareerYouthAs a scholar at Paarl Boys' High School, Van Dyk represented Western Province at the Under-18 Academy Week and Craven Week competitions in 2010. He then moved to Durban to join the Sharks academy. He played for the Sharks U19 side during the 2011 Under-19 Provincial Championship competition and for the Sharks U21 in 2012 – scoring three tries in the competition – and 2013. 2012 IRB Junior World ChampionshipIn 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[3] and England[4] and started the semi-final against Argentina[5] and the final against New Zealand.[6] SharksVan Dyk made his first two first class appearances for the Sharks XV during the 2012 Vodacom Cup, coming on as a substitute against the Free State XV in Bloemfontein[7] and against the SWD Eagles in Durban.[8] 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 Western Province in Cape Town)[9] and coming on as a substitute in the other two. GriquasVan Dyk joined Kimberley-based side Griquas prior to the 2014 season[10] and was also included in the training squad for the Griquas' Super Rugby side, the Cheetahs.[11] He made his Super Rugby debut for the Cheetahs in a 21–20 defeat to the Lions in Bloemfontein.[12][13] LeinsterVan 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. CheetahsVan Dyk joined Port Elizabeth-based sideEastern Province Kings for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, even though he was still available for theCheetahs during the 2015 Super Rugby season.[14][15] 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 theFree State Cheetahs without playing a match for the Kings.[16] ToulouseVan Dyk moved to France to joinToulouse prior to the 2016–17 Top 14 season.[17] HarlequinsIn August 2020, it was confirmed that van Dyk had signed a short-term with Harlequins for the remainder of the 2019–20 season.[18] Exeter ChiefsIn November 2020 it was announced that van Dyk would join Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2020–21 season on an initial one-year deal.[19] References
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