[citation needed] De Waal played rugby for Stellenbosch University before making his provincial debut with the Leopards in 2002.
[citation needed] De Waal has also played at Super Rugby level, making his debut with the Bulls in 2004 before joining the Cats in 2005.
When the competition expanded to 14 teams in 2006, the Cats split into two separate franchises – the Lions and the Cheetahs, which de Waal joined.
[citation needed] On 24 July 2007, it was announced that de Waal signed a two-year deal with French Second Division club RC Narbonne.
He returned to South Africa after one season and secured a spot in the 2009 Stormers squad, his fourth different super rugby team.