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 VideoBlitzboks not done yet despite Sevens Series glory in New York

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Blitzboks proudly wear their gold medals from the New York SVNS tournament, celebrating their World Rugby Sevens Series title. Yet, within the camp, a determined ...

Watch Video'You need your 12 a bit unstable' — Ruhan Nel on Dan du Plessis' Stormers return for Dragons

Leighton Koopman|Published

Ruhan Nel is thrilled to reunite with Dan du Plessis as the Stormers prepare to face the Dragons, hoping to recreate their successful midfield partnership from the ...

Watch VideoLions expect 'desperate' Edinburgh to play an expansive brand of rugby at Ellis Park

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Lions are poised to capitalise on their recent success as they face Edinburgh in a crucial URC clash, bolstered by the return of key Springbok players.

Watch VideoStormers eye home boost as improved pitch sets stage for Dragons URC clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers return home to what looks like a vastly improved DHL Stadium pitch as they prepare for a crucial United Rugby Championship clash against the Dragons. ...

Watch VideoStormers guard against complacency against Dragons after Loftus heroics

Leighton Koopman|Published

After a significant derby victory against the Bulls, the Stormers are determined to stay grounded as they face the Dragons in a crucial URC clash.

Watch VideoSweet and sour for Bulls as Cameron Hanekom returns but Sebastian de Klerk's prognosis looks bleak

Leighton Koopman|Published

Cameron Hanekom is set to make a return to the Bulls after a long absence, but the team faces a significant setback with Sebastian de Klerk out for months due to ...

Watch VideoStormers boosted by return of Senatla, Roos, Du Plessis ahead of Dragons URC clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Stormers prepare to face the Dragons, the return of Seabelo Senatla, Evan Roos, and Dan du Plessis could help secure an important victory in Cape Town.

Watch VideoBulls shake things up as Cameron Hanekom returns for Cardiff URC clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

After a nine-month injury lay-off, Springbok Cameron Hanekom is set to make a thrilling return for the Bulls as they face Cardiff in a crucial URC clash.

Watch VideoStormers XXIII clash against Seawolves gives fringe players chance to impress URC coaches

Leighton Koopman|Published

In a historic debut, the Stormers XIII face the Seattle Seawolves on Sunday, with veteran prop Oli Kebble eager to make his mark after returning from injury.

Watch VideoContinuity in selection should be cornerstone of Sharks’ URC Top 8 bid

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Sharks face a critical juncture in their URC campaign, where selecting their strongest team is essential for a successful push towards the Top 8. With only six ...

Watch VideoTHE LAST WORD ON RUGBY PODCAST | Loftus shock, Six Nations drama & URC playoff pressure builds after Super Saturday of rugby ...

Leighton Koopman|Updated

With the playoffs looming, how will South Africa's URC teams navigate the final stretch of the season? Discover the latest insights on the Stormers, Bulls, Lions, ...

Watch VideoSelection calls in focus as Stormers prepare for tough Dragons clash in Cape Town

Leighton Koopman|Published

With the Stormers now second on the URC table, they must build on their momentum as they prepare to face the formidable Dragons in Cape Town this Sunday.

Watch VideoBulls must sharpen key areas ahead of Cardiff URC test in Pretoria

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Bulls face a critical test against Cardiff Rugby on Friday evening in Pretoria as they fight for a Top 8 spot in the United Rugby Championship.

Watch Video‘Sub me or I walk off’: Deon Fourie’s out-of-breath ultimatum after emptying tank in Bulls win

Leighton Koopman|Published

Veteran Stormers forward Deon Fourie showcased his enduring talent with a defiant performance in the 32-19 URC victory over the Bulls, leaving coach John Dobson ...

Watch VideoURC state of play | Stormers eye Top 2 while Sharks face ‘mountain to climb’

Leighton Koopman|Published

With just six rounds remaining in the United Rugby Championship regular season, the fight for the Top 8 has reached a fever pitch. The Stormers have reclaimed second ...

Singapore showing boosts Southern Guards’ Steyn City hopes ahead of LIV SA debut

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Southern Guards are on the rise after a strong fifth-place finish at LIV Golf Singapore, setting the stage for an exciting debut in South Africa. But they must ...

Watch VideoStormers bounce back against Bulls as focus turns to crucial URC home run

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers ended their losing streak with a spectacular bonus-point victory over the Bulls, reclaiming second place in the United Rugby Championship. With a challenging ...

Watch VideoSpringboks' Rassie Erasmus tips Dave Rennie to make a success of All Blacks rescue mission

Leighton Koopman|Published

With Dave Rennie stepping in as the new All Blacks coach, Rassie Erasmus is gearing up for a thrilling series against New Zealand later this year.

Southern Guards within striking distance ahead of final day at LIV Golf Singapore

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Southern Guards are just four shots off the lead as they head into the final round of LIV Golf Singapore, thanks to a strong performance from Dean Burmester. ...

Watch VideoHandre Pollard vs Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu headlines five Bulls-Stormers mini duels to watch at Loftus

Leighton Koopman|Published

With the URC clash between the Bulls and Stormers on the horizon, all eyes are on the electrifying individual duels that could determine the outcome of this North-South ...

Bulls look to horn in on Stormers’ plans at Loftus Versfeld

Leighton Koopman|Published

More than 30 000 fans are expected at Loftus Versfeld as the Bulls and Stormers go head-to-head in the North-South URC derby, with both sides desperate for a win. ...

Watch VideoStormers look to veterans to steady URC ship in crucial Bulls North-South derby

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers are counting on their experienced players to gain an edge against the formidable Bulls in a crucial North-South derby, a match that could define their ...

Watch VideoStormers strengthened by return of captain Ruhan Nel and three centurions for North-South derby against Bulls

Leighton Koopman|Published

With captain Ruhan Nel and experienced players returning, the Stormers are set for a thrilling North-South derby against the Bulls, a match that could define their ...

Watch VideoLouis Oosthuizen grinds through ‘stupid bogeys’ to stay in contention at LIV Singapore

Leighton Koopman|Published

Overcoming mid-round stumbles during the second round, the Southern Guards captain kept himself in contention in Singapore, sitting just three shots off the pace ...

Watch VideoBulls vs Stormers: Five crucial areas that will determine URC derby outcome

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Bulls and Stormers clash in a highly anticipated North-South derby, we look at five key areas that wlll likely determine the winner of this thrilling URC ...