De Bruin got recognised for provincial selection at primary school level in 2006, when he was included in the Blue Bulls Under-13 squad that played at the Craven Week competition.
At the start of the 2013 season, he played for university side UFS Shimlas during the 2013 Varsity Cup competition, where he made six substitute appearances.
[4] He didn't feature in their match against hosts France,[5] but was restored to the starting line-up in their semi-final clash with Wales, where South Africa suffered an 18–17 defeat.
[9] De Bruin was included on the reserve bench for the Cheetahs' second-last match of the 2014 Super Rugby season against the Sharks in Bloemfontein.
[13] On 15 April 2024, it was confirmed that de Bruin agreed a two-year deal back to the Premiership with Newcastle Falcons from the 2024-25 season.