Ockie van Zyl (rugby union, born 1982)

Ockert Petrus van Zyl (born 17 August 1982) is a former South African rugby union player, that played first class rugby between 2004 and 2013. He played as a flanker or a lock.

Ockie van Zyl

Full name	Ockert Petrus van Zyl
Date of birth	(1982-08-17) 17 August 1982
Place of birth	Bloemfontein, South Africa
Height	1.97 m (6 ft 5+1⁄2 in)
Weight	112 kg (17 st 9 lb; 247 lb)
School	Hoërskool Fichardtpark
University	Central University of Technology
Notable relative(s)	Ockie van Zyl (nephew)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker / Lock Youth career 2000 SWD U19 Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2004–2006 Griffons 37 (50) 2006 Cheetahs 8 (0) 2006–2007 Racing Métro 92 16 (0) 2007 Griquas 10 (0) 2008–2009 Griffons 14 (5) 2011 Free State Cheetahs 1 (0) 2012–2013 Free State XV 9 (10) Correct as of 1 September 2016 Correct as of 1 September 2016

Rugby career

Van Zyl was born in Bloemfontein and spent the bulk of his career playing for Free State-based sides the Griffons and the Free State Cheetahs. He also made eight appearances in the Super 14 competition for the Cheetahs, and had short spells at French side Racing Métro 92 and with the Kimberley-based Griquas.

Personal life

Van Zyl's nephew – also called Ockie – also played professional rugby for the Griffons and Boland Cavaliers.