Cameron Douglas Dawson was a matriculant at Paul Roos Gymnasium in 2017 and quickly identified as a possible asset for Western Province rugby. He was selected for the 2017 Craven Week training squad but was not available for selection due to an injury.

Dawson enrolled in the University of the Free State, where he earned a spot in the 2018 under-20 Varsity Cup team. Cameron featured in the starting lineup in all six Varsity Cup fixtures.

Dawson made his junior debut for the U.19 Cheetahs side in 2018-'19. After being called up to the Free State XV, Cameron quickly made a name for himself playing off the bench and making a notable impact in warm-up games against Griquas and Griffons.

Upon the arrival of the promising loosehead prop at the Southern Kings, Dawson was thrown straight into the starting lineup in the Southern Kings pre-season friendly against Georgian National Rugby Team in preparation for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the impending 2019/2020 Pro14 season.

Dawson made his Pro14 debut for the Southern Kings in their match against the Toyota Cheetahs on 1 February 2020.

He rejoined the Toyota Cheetahs after the 2019-20 season. His first five Currie Cup games in 2020-21 from the substitutes' bench for Boan Venter (loosehead prop).

Dawson's Currie Cup match on 27 December 2020 against the Sharks in Bloemfontein was remarkable; he first replaced Venter, who was sent to the cooler with a yellow card, in the 50th minute. After 10 minutes, Venter could go on the field again, but the Cheetah coach, Hawies Fourie, decided to keep Dawson in the game. In the 77th minute, Dawson was off the field with an injury, and Venter was back. In the 83rd minute, Venter scored a try, and the Cheetahs won the game 37-10.

Dawson quickly became known for his strong set-piece play and aggressive defence. He has already played 24 games for the Toyota Cheetahs.