He joined Wigan in November 1923, and went on to win the Challenge Cup in 1924, and two Lancashire League titles in 1923–24 and 1925–26.

Tank van Rooyen played at second-row in Wigan's 22–10 victory over Warrington in the Championship Final during the 1925–26 season at Knowsley Road, St. Helens on Saturday, 8 May 1926.

[6] Tank van Rooyen played at second-row in Wigan's 11–15 defeat by Swinton in the 1925–26 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1925–26 season at The Cliff, Broughton on Wednesday, 9 December 1925.

[4] In rugby union, Van Rooyen appeared for South Africa in two Tests in 1921.

As a professional rugby league footballer, his only appearance at representative level was for Other Nationalities, playing in the team that beat England 23–17 at Headingley in 1924.