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 fight back for crucial URC draw against Ulster in Belfast thriller

Leighton Koopman|Published

In a dramatic encounter in Belfast, the Stormers fought back to secure a 38-all draw against Ulster, showcasing resilience despite their struggles with discipline ...

Watch VideoGAME DAY | Stormers seek composed performance against Ulster to stay on course for URC top spot

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers, riding high on their overseas success earlier in the season, face a crucial test against Ulster in Belfast. With the URC top spot at stake, will they ...

Watch VideoHandré Pollard benched, Willie le Roux at 10 in surprise Bulls shake-up for Zebre clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Bulls have reshuffled their starting line-up for Saturday's crucial URC clash against Zebre Parma, with Willie le Roux stepping in at flyhalf. Can this bold ...

Watch VideoSpringbok captain Siya Kolisi took ‘massive pay cut’ to return to Stormers ahead of Rugby World Cup

Leighton Koopman|Published

Siya Kolisi, the Springbok captain, makes a heartfelt return to the Stormers, taking a significant pay cut to fulfil his dream of returning to his family and playing ...

Watch VideoStormers ready to tackle familiar Ulster faces, wary of unknown SA-born back Wilhelm de Klerk

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers are set to face Ulster in a crucial URC clash, wary of former teammates Juarno Augustus and Werner Kok, while the unknown factor of Wilhelm de Klerk ...

Watch VideoDeon Fourie demands consistency as Stormers hunt big away URC win against Ulster in Belfast

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers are on a quest for victory against Ulster in Belfast, aiming to maintain their top position in the URC. With playoff implications on the line, they ...

Watch VideoJohan Ackermann faces key Canan Moodie call ahead of Zebre clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

Canan Moodie's return from injury could reshape the Bulls' backline as they prepare for a crucial URC clash against Zebre in Pretoria.

Watch VideoDeon Fourie takes charge as Stormers chase big URC win in Belfast

Leighton Koopman|Published

Deon Fourie steps in as captain for the Stormers in a thrilling URC showdown against Ulster in Belfast, aiming to secure a vital win and maintain their top position. ...

Watch VideoWATCH | THE LAST WORD ON RUGBY: Home advantage on the line for South Africa’s URC contenders

Leighton Koopman|Published

With only two rounds left in the United Rugby Championship, can South Africa's top teams secure home play-offs? The Stormers, Lions, and Bulls are all in contention, ...

Watch VideoSiya Kolisi reflects on Sharks’ URC disappointment ahead of Durban farewell

Leighton Koopman|Published

After a disappointing season, Sharks loose forward Siya Kolisi opens up about the team's struggles and his emotional farewell to Durban as they aim to finish strong ...

Watch VideoStormers eye historic Belfast URC breakthrough against injury-hit Ulster

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers face a crucial United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster on Friday, aiming to secure their first-ever win on Belfast soil.

Watch VideoBulls focused on execution rather than altitude factor in Zebre clash at Loftus Versfeld

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Bulls are determined to secure victory over Zebre Parma in the United Rugby Championship by focusing on a disciplined performance rather than relying on altitude. ...

Watch VideoSharks must back pups to do double Italian job at Kings Park in final URC matches

Leighton Koopman|Published

With play-off hopes dashed, the Sharks have a unique opportunity to develop their young talent in the final URC matches against Italian sides Benetton and Zebre. ...

Watch VideoURC play-off door wide open for the Lions, they must just walk through it

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Lions have historically faltered at the brink of the URC play-offs, but this season presents a chance to change their narrative. Can they finally secure their ...

Watch VideoAsenathi Ntlabakanye free to face Leinster and Munster amid doping case delay

Leighton Koopman|Published

Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will be available for the crucial URC tour of Ireland as the panel deliberates his alleged doping violation. A decision from SAIDS ...

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 ...