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 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.

Watch VideoBulls face season-defining fortnight: Munster and Glasgow tests await Ackermann’s men

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Bulls enter a critical stretch of the 2026 season as they host a reinforced Munster side at Loftus Versfeld. With URC playoff spots tightening and a Champions ...

Watch VideoLions warned against complacency ahead of Dragons URC clash at Ellis Park

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Lions must avoid the trap that nearly ensnared the Stormers when they host the Dragons in Johannesburg this Saturday. With a URC Top 8 spot on the line, Ivan ...

Watch VideoFive Stormers fringe players with everything to prove in friendly against Seawolves

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Stormers XXIII prepare for a pivotal friendly against the Seattle Seawolves, five fringe players will look to seize their moment and prove their worth to ...

Watch VideoSecond place on the line as Stormers chase maximum URC points against Dragons

Leighton Koopman|Published

With a crucial URC clash against the Dragons in Cape Town on Sunday, the Stormers are determined to secure their second place in the standings with a strong victory ...

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 ...