South African prop Nicolaas ‘Maks’ van Dyk played in Major League Rugby during the 2024 season. He represented the Houston SaberCats for his entire MLR career.

A Johannesburg native, van Dyk attended the famous Paarl Boys’ High School until 2010, when he played with the Western Province U18s during Craven Week, and the following year played with the Sharks U19 side, and the U21s between 2012-2013. Van Dyk’s career continued in South Africa, playing for Griquas in the Currie Cup in 2014, before being loaned to Leinster short term, where he earned his Pro12 (now URC) debut. He also played in the Cheetahs system, for both the Currie Cup and Super Rugby sides between 2015-2016 before moving to France to play with Toulouse in the Top 14, whom he represented between 2016-2020. Following his time in France van Dyk moved to England to play in the Premiership, briefly with the Worcester Warriors, then the Exeter Chiefs during the 2020/21 season. He then returned to France to represent Section Paloise in the Top 14 once again, where he stayed until his move stateside.

On 28th December 2023, the Houston SaberCats announced the signing of Maks van Dyk for the 2024 MLR season. He scored 2 tries in 7 appearances (all starts) for the SaberCats that year as they finished the regular season as the best team in MLR with a 14-2 record. Van Dyk earned a Team of the Week selection for his performance in Round 7.

achievements

• MLR Team of the Week: 2024 – Rd 8