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 VideoAsenathi Ntlabakanye still firmly in Springbok plans despite looming doping hearing

Leighton Koopman|Published

Asenathi Ntlabakanye remains in the Springboks’ plans despite a looming doping hearing, with scrum coach Daan Human backing the Lions tighthead’s form and stressing ...

Watch VideoGrit and growth: Springboks' Rassie Erasmus applauds Lions’ attitude after URC Shield victory

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Lions have made waves in the United Rugby Championship by clinching their first-ever South African Shield title, drawing attention from Springbok coach Rassie ...

Tough to leave Leicester, but home was calling — Hanro Liebenberg on return to the Bulls

Leighton Koopman|Published

Hanro Liebenberg will return to the Bulls ahead of the 2026/27 season, ending a decorated seven-year stint with Leicester Tigers in England.

Watch VideoYou see the hair, then the tackle — Duane Vermeulen on England’s new star Henry Pollock

Leighton Koopman|Published

Duane Vermeulen jokes about a potential comeback for the Springboks against England, aiming to introduce Henry Pollock to the rigours of rugby with a few tackles. ...

Casey Jarvis bags a cool R4.1 million in Stellenbosch after maiden SA Open triumph

Leighton Koopman|Published

Amidst dramatic weather conditions, 22-year-old Casey Jarvis emerged victorious at the 115th South African Open Championship, claiming R4.1 million.

Watch VideoRassie Erasmus begins 2027 World Cup build-up as 49-man Springbok camp kicks off

Leighton Koopman|Published

Head coach Rassie Erasmus has welcomed 11 uncapped players to his first alignment camp of 2026, stressing that while the 2027 World Cup is the goal, immediate focus ...

From the tee box into the fynbos: My shot at beating the pro at the SA Open

Leighton Koopman|Published

Facing a professional golfer at the SA Open is no easy feat. Join Independent Media's rugby reporter Leighton Koopman as he recounts his experience on the Par 3 ...

Casey Jarvis sets sights on Augusta and Royal Birkdale after dream SA Open triumph

Leighton Koopman|Updated

Casey Jarvis, the newly crowned South African Open champion, is set to make his dream debut at The Masters in just 38 days, aiming to compete alongside his idol, ...

Casey Jarvis weathers the Stellenbosch storm to claim maiden SA Open victory

Leighton Koopman|Published

Amidst driving rain and lightning, Casey Jarvis defied the elements to secure his first SA Open title, showcasing remarkable resilience and skill in Stellenbosch. ...

SA Open set for tight finish on Sunday as Casey Jarvis holds narrow advantage in Stellenbosch

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the final round of the 115th South African Open tees off, local Casey Jarvis leads a thrilling chase for the title amidst a tightly packed leaderboard.

Casey Jarvis feeds off home crowd to take control of SA Open in testing conditions

Leighton Koopman|Published

The final round of the 115th South African Open at Stellenbosch promises excitement as rain looms over the competitors in Stellenbosch.

Watch VideoEllis Park derby: Mini-battles set to fuel Lions–Stormers URC SA Shield fight

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Lions face a crucial test against the Stormers at Ellis Park, aiming for their first South African Shield title in the URC. With several key matchups set to ...

Laporta leads into moving day with SA Open chasing pack hot in pursuit in Stellenbosch

Leighton Koopman|Published

Francesco Laporta, who considers South Africa his second home, leads the historic SA Open into moving day, aiming to become the first Italian to win the tournament. ...

Watch VideoJD Schickerling leads Stormers as Feinberg-Mngomezulu zeros in at 10 for Lions URC clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

Lock JD Schickerling steps into the captaincy for the Stormers as they face the Lions at Ellis Park, allowing flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to concentrate on ...

Italian golfer Andrea Pavan 'can walk and talk' after falling down lift shaft before SA Open

Leighton Koopman|Published

After a strong second round at the SA Open, Italian Francesco Laporta expresses relief over Andrea Pavan's recovery after a shocking lift accident ahead of the tournament. ...

Watch VideoTHE LAST WORD ON RUGBY PODCAST | Rassie Erasmus sends clear message with bold Springboks alignment camp squad

Leighton Koopman|Published

Rassie Erasmus named a bold 49-man Springboks squad, sparking questions about the future of veterans like Willie le Roux.

Four-way tie at 115th SA Open sets up crucial day two in Stellenbosch

Leighton Koopman|Published

Excitement builds at the 115th South African Open as four players are locked in a thrilling tie for first place, setting the stage for a dramatic day two in the ...

Rough justice: SA Open delivers early reality check at brutal Stellenbosch Golf Club

Leighton Koopman|Published

Former champion Dean Burmester thrived while several big names stumbled as wind and rough dominated the opening round of the South African Open at Stellenbosch.

Watch VideoJJ Kotze set for 50th cap as Stormers chase URC Shield hopes at Ellis Park

Leighton Koopman|Published

As JJ Kotze gears up for his 50th match with the Stormers, he reflects on his journey, the support from his teammates, and the importance of the upcoming game against ...

Watch VideoStormers aim to regain aura at Ellis Park as URC SA Shield race reaches boiling point

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers are on a mission to reclaim their pride and stay in the race for the South African Shield, facing a resurgent Lions at Ellis Park this Saturday. A victory ...

Watch VideoGloves off at Loftus Versfeld as Jordan Hendrikse eyes showdown with Handré Pollard

Leighton Koopman|Published

After strong performances in the United Rugby Championship, Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse sets his sights on a potential matchup with Bulls pivot Handré Pollard ...

Defending champion Dylan Naidoo to lead star-studded field at 115th SA Open in Stellenbosch

Leighton Koopman|Updated

The 115th South African Open tees off at a sold-out Stellenbosch Golf Club, with Masters and Open Championship exemptions on offer. Defending champion Dylan Naidoo ...

Watch VideoStefan Ungerer ready to step up as Stormers chase crucial derby win at altitude

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Stormers face the Lions at Ellis Park, Stefan Ungerer prepares to step into the No 9 jersey, aiming to secure a vital win in their quest for a home quarter-final ...

Watch VideoRassie Erasmus casts net wide with 49-man squad for Springboks’ first alignment camp

Leighton Koopman|Published

Five Junior Boks are among 11 uncapped players named in a bold 49-man Springbok alignment camp squad. It’s a statement of intent from Rassie Erasmus, who is widening ...

Watch VideoRassie’s radar | Loosehead depth keeps Springboks setting the tone

Leighton Koopman|Published

From Ox Nché’s dominance to rising stars like SJ Kotze, we rank the top loosehead props vying for the Springbok number one jersey ahead of the new international ...