Career
Youth
He represented Kimberley-based side Griquas at the Under-18 Craven Week in 2004 and also represented them in the Under-20 competition later in the same year. He then moved to Bloemfontein, where he joined the Free State Cheetahs. He represented them at Under-19 level in 2005 and at Under-21 level in 2006 and 2007.
Free State Cheetahs and Cheetahs
Van der Westhuizen made his first class debut during the 2007 Vodacom Cup, starting in Free State"s opening match of the season against the Border Bulldogs in East London.
Three substitute appearances followed in their next three matches before he made another start against the SWD Eagles, scoring his first (and, as at March 2014, only) try in his senior career. He became a regular in the Free State"s Vodacom Cup side, making a total of 30 appearances in this competition between 2007 and 2011.
In 2010, he was also included in the Cheetahs squad for the 2010 Super 14 season. His Super Rugby debut came in their Round 9 match against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Griffons
Van der Westhuizen also spent some time on loan at Welkom-based side the Griffons, making twelve appearances for them during the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
Edinburgh
At the conclusion of the 2012 Currie Cup Premier Division season, he joined Scottish Pro 12 side Edinburgh on a two-year contract. Eastern Province Kings
However, since Van der Westhuizen suffered three concussions since the start of 2014, a specialist advised that he should not play any rugby for six month to a year. He did not pass the medical at the Eastern Province Kings and the contract was subsequently cancelled.
