Career
His is a utility forward that can play as a lock, a flanker or a number eight. Youth and Varsity rugby Van Zyl was part of the Golden Lions U19 squad in 2007 and the Leopards U21 squad in 2009. In 2010, he also played Varsity Cup rugby with the Northwestern University Pukke, making four appearances.
Boland Cavaliers At the start of 2011, Van Zyl joined Wellington-based side Boland Cavaliers.
He made his debut for the team during the 2011 Vodacom Cup competition, a 25–42 defeat to Griquas in Bredasdorp in the Cavaliers" opening match of the competition. Van Zyl was on the field for less than ten minutes when he scored his first senior try.
Chalon At the conclusion of the 2014 First Division, Van Zyl moved to France to join Fédérale 1 side Chalon.