When DHL Western Province lock Chris van Zyl is not on the rugby field, he is busy completing his articles in the hopes of qualifying as a certified chartered accountant.
Van Zyl has an interesting story to tell.
His rise through the rugby structures is different to many as he emphasises the importance of career development and academic qualification.
He has already obtained his Bcom Accounting and Bacc Honours qualifications, having studied at the University of Johannesburg and the University of Stellenbosch, respectively, and he is currently doing his articles at a local accounting firm in Cape Town.
Despite these commitments, Van Zyl boasts a budding professional rugby career CV. He’s been one of the key players in the DHL Western Province squad, who are undefeated in the 2015 Vodacom Cup heading into the tournament quarterfinals.
The 28-year-old believes it is possible to balance both sport and academic commitments.
“I might not have played any Craven Weeks or major age-group rugby, but I do believe it’s possible to balance a rugby career and studies,” Van Zyl told MyPlayers.co.za.
“It might take longer compared to a full-time student, but it’s important to get something behind your name. Rugby doesn’t last forever, so you have to prepare for life after rugby, which I’m doing right now.”
In fact, Van Zyl’s pursuit of an accounting qualification led to his professional rugby opportunity.
Upon his move to UJ, he worked his way through the amateur ranks into the Golden Lions senior squad. He featured for the Lions during their 2013 and 2014 Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup campaigns.
He then returned to Cape Town in 2015 to complete his articles, and was offered the opportunity by DHL Western Province head coach John Dobson to join the squad (in the midst of a mini-second row crisis).
Pickles, as he is known to those close to him, has since started every match for the Cape side (even captaining them on the odd occasion) – helping them to an unbeaten, seven-match winning streak en route to them topping the South Section log and giving them the right to a home quarter- and semifinal.
“This season has been amazing. As a team, the players have worked hard together, but a lot of credit must go to coach John Dobson,” said Van Zyl.
“John and his management have worked hard behind the scenes, and the players have followed through with their plans and structures.
“John actually offered me the chance to play for him at UCT in the Varsity Cup shortly after school, but I unfortunately had to decline as I was planning my move to Johannesburg. So it’s been great to reunite with him when I moved back to Cape Town for my articles.
“Playing for DHL Western Province is a massive honour. Growing up, my family were big supporters of the team as we had season tickets to Newlands. Pulling over the Blue & White hoops for the first time this season was a moment that I’ll never forget.”
Chris is also the younger brother of former DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province lock Anton van Zyl, who is also doing his articles after recently returning from a stint at French club Stade Français.
Receiving daily advice and stories from his older brother, Chris is excited about the future.
“Anton and I are actually doing our articles at the same firm, so it’s great spending time with him on a daily basis,” said the younger Van Zyl.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to visit him in Paris when he was based there, but he thoroughly enjoyed his experience and travels in Europe. Like me, he emphasises the importance of preparing for life after rugby, that’s why he cut his stay in France short to come home.”