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 VideoBulls set for Canan Moodie boost ahead of defining Zebre URC clash at Loftus

Leighton Koopman|Published

Bulls utility star Canan Moodie is back from injury just in time for a pivotal URC clash against Zebre Parma at Loftus Versfeld. With playoff hopes on the line, ...

Watch VideoStormers first, Springboks later as Ntuthuku Mchunu eyes URC home play-off in Cape Town

Leighton Koopman|Published

Ntuthuku Mchunu draws inspiration from Springbok legends as he leads the Stormers scrum into a crucial URC play-off battle in Europe, aiming to secure a home advantage ...

Watch VideoNtuthuko Mchunu’s rise gives Springboks a welcome headache at loosehead

Leighton Koopman|Published

After struggling with depth at loosehead, the Springboks now face a selection dilemma as Ntuthuko Mchunu's stellar performances in the United Rugby Championship ...

Watch VideoStormers must look to early-season unbeaten form to seal URC top spot in final tour games

Leighton Koopman|Published

With two challenging European matches on the horizon, the Stormers must dominate the forwards' battle and backline control to secure their top spot in the URC. Facing ...

Watch VideoInjuries test Springboks’ depth as selection dilemmas loom ahead of England clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

With key players sidelined, the Springboks face critical selection dilemmas ahead of their Nations Championship opener against England on 4 July.

Watch VideoURC run-in: SA sides could shape each other’s destiny over final two rounds

Leighton Koopman|Published

South Africa’s URC contenders enter a decisive fortnight where results against shared rivals could shape not only their own play-off paths, but each other’s chances ...

Watch VideoSpringbok selection showdown: URC stars pushing for Rassie Erasmus’ 2026 squad

Leighton Koopman and Morgan Bolton|Published

As the URC reaches its climax, we look at the form players from the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers who are making a late surge for Springbok selection ahead of ...

Watch VideoStormers back ‘Project 2029’ as young guns shine in dominant victory over Glasgow Warriors

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers demonstrated remarkable courage by fielding young talents against the Glasgow Warriors in a crucial URC match, securing a decisive 48-12 victory. As ...

Watch VideoLions refresh for ‘daunting’ Irish tour as Ivan van Rooyen targets URC play-off spot

Leighton Koopman|Published

Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen is sticking to his mental-break strategy as the Johannesburg side prepares for a crucial two-week tour of Ireland against giants ...

Watch VideoInjury woes leave Springbok scrumhalf stocks running thin ahead of international season

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Nations Championship approaches, the Springboks face a critical injury crisis among scrumhalves, leaving them vulnerable ahead of a pivotal international ...

Watch VideoURC state of play | Knockout race tightens with SA trio still in contention for home play-off

Leighton Koopman|Published

The fierce competition for play-off spots in the United Rugby Championship (URC) reaches a climax as the Stormers secure their place in the knockouts, while the ...

Watch VideoGrowth fuels Lions’ belief in URC play-off breakthrough ahead of Irish mission

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Lions are poised for a historic URC play-off spot as they head into crucial matches against Leinster and Munster, armed with confidence and a clear strategy. ...

Watch VideoJohn Dobson fires back at critics as Stormers regain control at the top in URC

Leighton Koopman|Published

Despite the naysayers, the Stormers have proven their mettle with a resounding 48-12 victory over the Glasgow Warriors, reclaiming their place at the top of the ...

Watch VideoJohan Ackermann’s Bulls tighten grip on URC play-off spot after overseas success

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Bulls clinched a nail-biting 23–21 victory over the Scarlets, boosting their URC play-off hopes. With Handré Pollard's stellar performance, they return home ...

Watch VideoCaptain Ruhan Nel praises Stormers' 'internal drive to make each other proud'

Leighton Koopman|Published

Stormers captain Ruhan Nel expresses relief and pride after a commanding 48-12 victory over Glasgow Warriors, marking a triumphant response to recent challenges ...

Watch VideoInjury to Springbok Cobus Reinach tests Stormers’ depth at key stage of URC season

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers face a daunting challenge as they prepare to play without Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, who is set to miss crucial matches in the United Rugby ...

Watch VideoStormers storm to summit with dominant home URC win over Glasgow Warriors

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers returned to the top of the United Rugby Championship with a resounding 48–12 victory over the Glasgow Warriors on Saturday, showcasing their dominance. ...

Watch VideoGAME DAY | Stormers face defining URC clash against Glasgow in Cape Town

Leighton Koopman|Published

With both teams vying for the top spot on the URC log, the Stormers host the Glasgow Warriors in a must-win clash this Saturday in Cape Town. Can the home side secure ...

Watch VideoStormers in better headspace as teen Markus Muller primed for URC debut in Glasgow clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Stormers prepare for a crucial URC clash against the Glasgow Warriors, all eyes will be on flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in his 50th cap and 18-year-old ...

Proteas Women look to fine-tune game after wrapping up series against India

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Proteas Women are on the hunt for their 'perfect game' as they gear up for a thrilling T20 International against India at the Wanderers, aiming to extend their ...

Watch VideoContinuity key as Lions target Top 4 push in final home URC league match against Connacht

Leighton Koopman|Published

After a dominant win over the Glasgow Warriors, can the Lions maintain their momentum against Connacht in a pivotal URC clash?

Watch VideoSacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu reaches 50 as Stormers ring the changes for top-of-the-log Glasgow URC clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

Feinberg-Mngomezulu is set to earn his 50th cap for the Stormers this Saturday. He will look to lead his team to a crucial victory against the Glasgow Warriors in ...

Watch VideoLevel-headed Chris Smith the steady hand as Lions zone in on first-ever URC Top 8 finish

Leighton Koopman|Published

Chris Smith, an unsung hero among South African flyhalves, plays a pivotal role in the Lions' quest for a Top 4 spot in the United Rugby Championship as they prepare ...

Watch VideoFlight mode and chill: Blitzbok Tristan Leyds eyes reset after Hong Kong heroics

Leighton Koopman|Published

Player of the Final Tristan Leyds reflects on the Springbok Sevens' historic first-ever Hong Kong title. As the Blitzboks prepare for the next leg in Spain, Leyds ...

Watch VideoDamian Willemse backs teen Markus Muller to shine for Stormers and Springboks

Leighton Koopman|Published

Damian Willemse champions rookie centre Markus Muller as he prepares for his United Rugby Championship debut, echoing his own journey nine years ago.