By Michael Vlismas.
Caption: Mika Schubert. (Photo Credit: Euan Smith).
ST ANDREWS, Scotland – A young South African who played Varsity Cup rugby for UCT has now taken his game overseas and is making waves at one of the top universities in the world – the University of St Andrews – where he recently helped their first team to an historic victory.
Mika Schubert, a 26-year-old lock from Cape Town, was given the opportunity of a lifetime by the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation scholarship to use his rugby skills to study in St Andrews.
The town is known worldwide as the Home of Golf, but Schubert is chasing history here with a different kind of ball.
Having only recently arrived, he is already making an impact, scoring a try as he helped the University of St Andrews First XV to a 21-12 victory over the University of Edinburgh in their historic 2026 Men’s Scottish Varsity Match – one of the oldest varsity rugby matches in the world played in front of a sellout crowd of 8 700 at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh.
“I loved how it meant so much to so many people, not just the rugby community. Seeing what it meant to my teammates who had been here for longer than me was really special. I could feel the importance of that win for them, and that made me enjoy every moment,” said Schubert, who is busy with his Masters in International Education.
Schubert’s rugby journey began in Cape Town where he rose to captain his first team at Wynberg Boys High, and from where he received a scholarship to study teaching at UCT. Here he captained both the Under-20 and First Team. And that’s where Dave Morris, the University of St Andrews Director of Rugby, spotted him.
“Dave and his colleagues made the trip to Cape Town to do some recruiting and I met them. I finished up my second university degree at the end of 2025 and then started preparing to come to St Andrews. Considering the international fees, I could only study at St Andrews under scholarship.
I received a St Leonard’s scholarship first and then the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation scholarship thankfully came in to cover the majority of my tuition fees. Dave was key in organising that for me, which I’m incredibly grateful for. This would simply not be a possibility without the scholarship. My family back home is so proud of me. I’m the first in my family to go overseas and pursue my studies and sport. They all support me so much and I’m carrying my family name to make them all proud.”
Morris is equally proud of what his South African protégé is achieving – both on the field and with the impact he’s making amongst his teammates.
“Mika has extensive experience within educational settings and a passion for his chosen course. He is a high level student athlete having played Varsity Cup for UCT in South Africa, and he’s already made a great contribution to Saints Rugby. He is a fantastic young man who is adding hugely to our club.”
Schubert says he feels his own journey represents the South African spirit of always finding a way despite the obstacles.
“I never thought this would be possible for a boy like me from Cape Town. But you know, as South Africans, whatever challenges we face we seem to just find a way. And that’s why when special things happen, we are really grateful for it. It’s been unbelievable to be here. I’m still in awe. Rugby can be a great tool and pathway to new opportunities. Rugby has provided the opportunities that fit me best, such as being part of a team and contributing to something greater than yourself.
I’m just so grateful. It’s been a special journey so far. I hope to be an example for other young South Africans to hopefully also come here and experience this. I want to win everything there is to win for our rugby club. 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. And after my degree I’d like to continue working in school sports as a teacher and coach.”