He played in the positions of flanker and Number 8, making 10 test appearances for South Africa in 1994 and 1995.
He also played for the Golden Lions provincial team in the Currie Cup and Super 12 competitions.
In all he played 10 tests, including representing South Africa in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, before his career ended on 18 November 1995 against England at Twickenham Stadium.
However, the team subsequently suffered several defeats against the bigger nations, losing 30–10 to France, 21–6 to Scotland, 53–3 to England and 52–16 to New Zealand during his reign.
Straeuli was forced to resign shortly after the tournament when details of his infamous Kamp Staaldraad training camp came to light.