Van der Watt started the 2013 by playing Varsity Cup rugby for . He scored four tries in seven appearances to help UJ reach the semi-finals, where they lost to . After the Varsity Cup, Van der Watt made two appearances for the Golden Lions in the 2014 Vodacom Cup, scoring tries in each of his appearances against the and the in a 161–3 victory. His next action came for the Super Rugby franchise; they lost their Super Rugby status for 2013, being replaced by the , but had the opportunity to play off for a spot in the 2014 Super Rugby competition. Van der Watt started the first leg of the play-off, helping the Lions to a 26–19 victory in Port Elizabeth. He didn't feature in the return leg, where the Lions ensured their return to Super Rugby despite an 18–23 defeat. He then made six appearances for the Golden Lions U21s in the 2013 Under-21 Provincial Championship, mainly being used as a replacement.