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 VideoWillemse, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Zas all cleared as Stormers gear up for Cardiff quarter-final

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers make strategic changes to their starting lineup as they prepare for a high-stakes quarter-final against Cardiff in Cape Town, with captain Ruhan Nel ...

Watch VideoLions must learn from Bordeaux masterclass against Leinster to make fist of URC quarter-final

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Lions face a daunting challenge in their first-ever URC quarter-final against Leinster. To succeed, they must adopt the tactical brilliance displayed by Bordeaux ...

Watch VideoSix Springbok hopefuls with everything to prove in the URC play-offs

Leighton Koopman|Published

The URC play-offs will offer South Africa’s fringe Springbok contenders a valuable chance to impress under pressure, with several standout performers looking to ...

Watch VideoStormers counting on 'instinct and connection' to trouble Cardiff in URC quarter-final battle

Leighton Koopman|Published

With their playoff hopes on the line, can the Stormers' dynamic halfback duo of Imad Khan and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu outsmart Cardiff in the URC quarter-finals? ...

Watch VideoWATCH | THE LAST WORD ON RUGBY: Lions, Bulls and Stormers chase URC final four places

Leighton Koopman|Published

Three South African teams stand on the brink of the URC semi-finals as the Lions, Bulls and Stormers prepare for defining play-off clashes in the tournament.

Watch VideoJC Pretorius ready for special 50-cap milestone in Lions’ URC quarter-final in Dublin

Leighton Koopman|Published

JC Pretorius, a former Springbok Sevens star, is on the brink of a significant milestone as he prepares to earn his 50th cap for the Lions in their historic URC ...

Watch VideoImad Khan eager to steer Stormers’ quarter-final push in Cobus Reinach’s absence

Leighton Koopman|Published

Stormers youngster Imad Khan faces his biggest test yet in the URC quarter-finals against Cardiff, stepping up in the absence of World Cup winner Cobus Reinach.

Watch VideoStormers dealt potential blow as Leolin Zas limps out of training ahead of Cardiff quarter-final

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers may face a significant setback as Leolin Zas suffers a knee injury in training, raising doubts about his availability for the crucial URC quarter-final ...

Watch VideoLions slam ‘ugly’ Irish criticism of Jacques Nienaber ahead of URC quarter-final battle against Leinster

Leighton Koopman|Published

Amidst mounting criticism from Irish supporters following a heavy defeat, Jacques Nienaber finds unexpected backing from the Lions as they prepare for a pivotal ...

Watch VideoLions focused on taking chances in Dublin URC quarter-final showdown with Leinster

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Lions are gearing up for their first-ever URC knockout match against Leinster, knowing they must make every scoring opportunity count. With crucial training ...

Watch VideoStormers transfer analysis: Why Cheslin Kolbe signing cannot be the last for Cape side

Leighton Koopman|Published

While Cheslin Kolbe’s arrival boosts the wings, the Stormers’ defensive frailty during Ruhan Nel's absence proves John Dobson urgently needs a long-term number 13. ...

Watch VideoLions hopeful over key trio ahead of historic URC quarter-final against Leinster

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Lions are gearing up for a pivotal URC quarter-final against Leinster, with hopes high that captain Francke Horn and key players Henco van Wyk and Quan Horn ...

Watch VideoURC quarter-finals: Five areas the Stormers must nail against Cardiff to power into semis

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers seek revenge against Cardiff in the URC quarter-finals, but they must address key shortcomings to secure a semi-final spot.

Watch VideoLions’ URC play-off hopes hang in the balance ahead of Munster showdown

Leighton Koopman|Published

The race for the URC play-offs intensifies as the Lions prepare for a decisive clash against Munster. With their qualification hanging in the balance, every moment ...

Watch VideoLoftus home run: Bulls eye URC quarter-final after eight-try Zebre blitz

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Bulls are one win away from securing a home URC quarter-final following a dominant 54-19 victory over Zebre, with Benetton standing in their way this Saturday. ...

Watch VideoFrustrated Stormers turn attention to Cardiff after Ulster URC stalemate

Leighton Koopman|Published

After a frustrating 38-38 draw with Ulster, the Stormers are determined to seize their chance for a top-two finish in the URC as they prepare for a crucial clash ...

Watch VideoLions fade late as Leinster power to bonus-point URC win in Dublin duel

Leighton Koopman|Published

In a gripping encounter, the Lions fought valiantly against Leinster in Dublin, but a late surge from the home side saw them secure a 31-7 victory.

Watch VideoGAME DAY | Lions and Leinster set for URC third-place showdown in Dublin

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Lions face off against Leinster in Dublin, the stakes couldn't be higher. A victory could secure a vital third place in the URC standings, making this clash ...

Watch VideoDeon Fourie injury rocks Stormers ahead of URC play-offs

Leighton Koopman|Published

Veteran Deon Fourie's season hangs in the balance after a picking up a knee injury following a reckless clearout at a breakdown during a thrilling 38-38 draw with ...

Watch VideoBulls banking on pace and power to overwhelm Zebre Parma at Loftus Versfeld

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Bulls prepare to face Zebre Parma in a pivotal URC clash, they aim to leverage their speed and power to secure a vital victory at Loftus Versfeld.

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 ...