South African rugby scholar Mika Schubert makes an impact at St Andrews

South African postgraduate student Mika Schubert is already making his mark at the University of St Andrews after an Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation scholarship helped make his ambition of studying and playing rugby at the University a reality.

The Cape Town-born 26-year-old has joined St Andrews to study for an MSc in International Education while becoming part of the University’s high-performance rugby programme and his introduction to Scottish university rugby could hardly have gone better.

Just weeks after arriving in St Andrews, Mika helped the “Saints” defeat arch-rivals the University of Edinburgh 21-12 in the Scottish Varsity Match at Hive Stadium.

“What an occasion,” he said. “I loved how it meant so much to so many people, not just the rugby community.

“I wanted to add as much value as I could in every way possible. I believe I brought great physicality and intensity to the game and ended up getting a try myself.

“The best part was feeling like I made a meaningful contribution to the team. Seeing what it meant to my teammates who had been here for longer than me was really special.”

Schubert brings considerable rugby experience to St Andrews. Born and raised in Cape Town, he began playing as a young child before attending Wynberg Boys’ High School, where he captained the First XV in his final year.

A scholarship subsequently enabled him to attend the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he played rugby for seven seasons from 2019 to 2025, captaining both the Under-20 and first teams and making almost 80 first-team appearances.

Primarily a lock, with the versatility to play flanker or No. 8, Schubert describes running the lineout as his speciality.

His route to St Andrews began in 2023 when University of St Andrews Director of Rugby Dave Morris and colleagues visited Cape Town on a recruitment trip.

“I met them to see if we could find a way to get me to St Andrews,” Schubert said. “Considering the international fees, I could only study at St Andrews under a scholarship.

“I received a St Leonard’s scholarship first and then the Alfred Dunhill Links scholarship thankfully came in to cover the majority of my tuition fees. Dave Morris was key in organising that for me, which I’m incredibly grateful for.

“This simply would not have been a possibility without the scholarship. My family back home is so proud of me.”

Before arriving in Scotland, Schubert spent almost six months in Germany as an au pair while undertaking an intensive German language course. He had previously completed his studies at UCT and is already a qualified history teacher.

His interest in education grew partly from his experiences coaching rugby and basketball at Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town, where he also worked in the boarding house.

“I realised that I’m not only good at coaching and working with kids, but I love it too,” he said. “After my degree I’d like to continue working in school sports as a teacher and coach.

“I believe there is so much for teachers to learn from coaching, and vice versa. For teachers and coaches, it comes down to how they provide an environment for students and players to thrive and perform at the best of their abilities.”

Morris believes Schubert's combination of academic and sporting experience makes him an excellent addition to St Andrews.

“Mika has extensive experience within educational settings and a passion for his chosen course,” said Morris. “He is a high-level student athlete, having played Varsity Cup for UCT in South Africa.

“The Alfred Dunhill Links Scholarship has allowed Mika to afford to study at St Andrews. Already Mika has made a great contribution to Saints Rugby. He scored a try in our win over the University of Edinburgh in the Scottish Varsity that was played in front of an 8,700 sellout crowd at the Hive Stadium.

“He is a fantastic man who is adding hugely to our club.”

For Schubert, the opportunity extends well beyond the rugby field. He hopes his year in Scotland can also help create a pathway for other young South Africans to follow.

“I want to win everything there is to win for our rugby club,” he said. “I want to bring glory to this club and University, in whatever way I can, and hopefully strengthen the pathway for boys from Cape Town to come here and do the same.

“Attaining my master’s degree from St Andrews would be very significant for my future. In addition to rugby and academics, I want to make connections and friends that make my time here fulfilling and meaningful.”

And there is another aspect of life in St Andrews that the South African intends to embrace.

“I do love golf as well, and there’s no better place to be to truly appreciate the golfing community,” said Schubert, who played to a 16 handicap when he was younger. “I plan to play a bit of golf when I have some spare time.”

For now, however, his focus is firmly on making the most of an opportunity he once thought was beyond his reach.

“I have been in absolute awe of St Andrews since I arrived here. It’s really a dream come true. I never thought this would be possible for a boy like me from Cape Town.

“If I can leave St Andrews in a better place than I found it, I would be really happy. I’m just so grateful to be here and I thank all those who made it possible.”

Photo © Euan Smith