Leighton Koopman

South African rugby writer and senior sports journalist who primarily covers rugby union, especially the Springboks, United Rugby Championship and other major competitions. He does match analysis and commentary, including player performance, key tactics, and match previews or reviews. His feature articles and commentary pieces offer insight into team dynamics, player milestones and major rugby events. Watch Koopman's podcast The Last Word on Rugby on the YouTube channel The Clutch: www.youtube.com/@TheClutchZA

Watch VideoReinach, Dayimani set to give Stormers edge in must-win Toulon Champions Cup clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers could gain a crucial advantage in their Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Toulon with the potential return of experienced scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, ...

Watch VideoBulls brace for familiar Glasgow storm in Champions Cup knockout clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Bulls gear up for a crucial Champions Cup knockout match against the Glasgow Warriors, captain Marcell Coetzee shares insights on their strategy and determination ...

Watch VideoWATCH | THE LAST WORD ON RUGBY: SA teams caught between URC survival and European dreams

Leighton Koopman|Published

With the race for the URC Top 8 heating up, South African rugby franchises face a critical decision: prioritise playoff ambitions or pursue European knockout glory. ...

Watch VideoSnyman 2.0? Why JJ van der Mescht is the closest thing the Springboks have to The Viking

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Springboks look toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the case for Northampton Saints' JJ van der Mescht to mirror RG Snyman’s unique " Bomb Squad" ...

Watch VideoMarcell Coetzee explains why Bulls refused to rotate for Glasgow Champions Cup clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Bulls gear up for a crucial Champions Cup knockout match against the Glasgow Warriors, captain Marcell Coetzee shares insights on their strategy and determination ...

Watch VideoStormers on high alert for ‘wounded’ Toulon in Champions Cup knockout test

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers are set to face a formidable Toulon side this weekend, determined to maintain their winning momentum in the Champions Cup despite their opponents' current ...

Watch VideoNick Hatton calls for squad effort as Sharks chase Challenge Cup victory in Connacht

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Sharks face a daunting challenge in Galway as they aim to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup. With a shaky record against Connacht and ...

Watch VideoDobson admits nerves as Stormers turn it on late to crush Edinburgh in scrappy URC clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

In a thrilling encounter, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson faced mounting pressure as his team trailed 14-12 against Edinburgh, but a late surge secured a ...

Watch VideoURC state of play | SA teams eye strong play-off push after another unbeaten weekend

Leighton Koopman|Published

With the URC taking a break for the Champions Cup knockouts, South African franchises reassess their positions and prepare for crucial matches in the playoff race. ...

Watch VideoNo panic for Springboks despite another RG Snyman injury setback

Leighton Koopman|Published

RG Snyman's latest injury setback raises concerns, but the Springboks are well-prepared to navigate this challenge as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup. ...

Watch VideoStormers hit with another lock blow as Salmaan Moerat set for stint in France next season

Leighton Koopman|Published

Salmaan Moerat's potential move from the Stormers to La Rochelle marks a significant shift for the team, leaving them in search of a new lock with Ruben van Heerden ...

Watch Video‘We must fix it’: John Dobson rues missed chances as Stormers grind past Edinburgh

Leighton Koopman|Published

Stormers head coach John Dobson expresses frustration over missed opportunities in their 33-14 victory against Edinburgh, as they aim to solidify their position ...

Watch VideoStormers grind out bonus-point win over Edinburgh despite lacklustre URC display

Leighton Koopman|Published

In a tense URC clash, the Stormers edged past Edinburgh with a 33-14 victory, showcasing both brilliance and inconsistency on the field.

Watch VideoScrums, song and sacrifice: Sazi Sandi’s journey to 50 Stormers caps

Leighton Koopman|Published

This weekend, Sazi Sandi reaches a significant milestone, earning his 50th cap for the Stormers in a crucial match against Edinburgh, a journey marked by resilience ...

Watch VideoMilestones aside, it’s all on the line for Bulls vs Munster in crucial URC clash at Loftus

Leighton Koopman|Published

Gerhard Steenekamp celebrates his 100th cap as the Bulls face Munster in a crucial URC clash, where playoff hopes hang in the balance.

Watch VideoLions eye top-eight grip as Dragons face altitude test at Ellis Park

Leighton Koopman|Published

Despite the loss of Springbok duo Morné van den Berg and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, the Lions are expected to maintain their winning momentum in Saturday's URC clash. ...

Watch VideoStormers gamble on Damian Willemse wing move ahead of Edinburgh URC clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

Will the Stormers' gamble on Damian Willemse's wing position pay off against Edinburgh? With a crucial match ahead, the team is banking on his skills to help secure ...

Watch VideoStormers shock with Damian Willemse on the wing as Sazi Sandi reaches 50-cap milestone

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers spring a selection surprise with Damian Willemse on the wing, while Sazi Sandi brings up his 50th cap in the clash with Edinburgh on Saturday.

Watch VideoNo margin for error: How the Bulls can halt Munster in Pretoria to solidify URC Top 8 spot

Leighton Koopman|Published

It’s a make-or-break moment for the Bulls as they face Munster at Loftus Versfeld. With a chance to secure back-to-back victories, the stakes are high as they look ...

Watch VideoDan du Plessis praises ‘tremendous’ captain Nel as Stormers hit stride in URC playoff push

Leighton Koopman|Published

With the URC playoffs in sight, Dan du Plessis praises Ruhan Nel's leadership as the Stormers look to extend their winning streak against Edinburgh this Saturday. ...

Watch VideoSharks stick with winning formula for Cardiff URC clash in Durban

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Sharks are set to face Cardiff in a pivotal URC clash, with head coach JP Pietersen sticking to his winning formula after a decisive victory over Munster.

Watch VideoNot just good on paper: How Embrose Papier is pushing for a Springbok recall

Leighton Koopman|Published

With a wealth of scrumhalf talent in South Africa, Bulls star Embrose Papier is making a compelling case for a Springbok recall through his outstanding performances ...

Watch VideoFamiliar faces, but Stormers won’t be distracted by Edinburgh’s returning Saffas in URC clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Stormers prepare for a crucial URC clash against Edinburgh, they remain focused on their gameplan rather than the returning players, aiming to secure a top-two ...

Watch VideoWATCH | THE LAST WORD ON RUGBY: SA teams chase another clean sweep in URC playoff race

Leighton Koopman|Published

With a full house of 20 points secured, South African franchises are on a thrilling quest for URC playoff glory. They will look to maintain their momentum with four ...

Watch VideoRusty Dan du Plessis expects ‘massive battle’ as Edinburgh arrive in Cape Town

Leighton Koopman|Published

Midfielder Dan du Plessis is eager to regain his form as the Stormers prepare for a crucial showdown against Edinburgh in the race to the URC playoffs.