Van Jaarsveld represented Pretoria-based university side UP Tuks in the inaugural edition of the Varsity Cup in 2008, scoring their third ever try in the competition late in their opening-day 31–31 draw against Maties.

He played off the bench in their 32–24 victory over the Mighty Elephants at the Adcock Stadium in Port Elizabeth,[6] with a second appearance coming against the Leopards in Potchefstroom.

[11] This proved to only be a minor setback to Van Jaarsveld's career as he returned some five months later to play in the 2010 Vodacom Cup, making six appearances.

[20] Two more substitute appearances followed against the Bulls[21] and the return leg against the Stormers,[22] before Van Jaarsveld made his first start in the competition against the Sharks and taking just eight minutes to score the first try of the match as the Cheetahs ran out 27–20 winners.

[23] In July 2014, Free State Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan announced that Van Jaarsveld would captain the side during the 2014 Currie Cup Premier Division season.

[26] In October 2014, Van Jaarsveld was called up to the Namibian national team for the first time prior to their end-of-year tour to Europe.