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 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 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 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 VideoBulls eye Stormers on URC log in decisive Loftus North-South derby

Leighton Koopman|Published

An in-form Bulls team will aim to capitalise on the Stormers’ recent struggles in a high-stakes URC derby in Pretoria this coming Saturday.

Watch VideoVeteran Frans Malherbe ‘close to retiring’ before Springbok comeback push

Leighton Koopman|Published

After battling a serious back injury that nearly led to his retirement, Springbok stalwart Frans Malherbe is on the road to recovery and training again, raising ...

‘I don’t think I did much wrong’: Bogey-free Burmester rues missed putts in Hong Kong

Leighton Koopman|Published

Despite a bogey-free round, Dean Burmester's missed birdie opportunities left him two shots off the lead at LIV Golf Hong Kong, as he prepares for a crucial final ...

Watch VideoConraad van Vuuren suspension adds to Lions’ front-row concerns ahead of crucial URC stretch

Leighton Koopman|Published

Lions prop Conraad van Vuuren has been handed a four-match suspension, that could be reduced to three, for a dangerous tackle in the derby against the Stormers, ...

Watch Video‘It’s a privilege’: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu embraces Stormers pressure in URC

Leighton Koopman|Published

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the newly crowned South African URC Player of the Year, shares his thoughts on the pressure of playing for the Stormers and their quest ...

South African Dean Burmester stays in the hunt at LIV Hong Kong despite stiff neck troubles

Leighton Koopman|Published

Despite battling a stiff neck, South African golfer Dean Burmester mounts a remarkable comeback to tie for first place after day two of the LIV Golf Hong Kong tournament, ...

Watch VideoRassie Erasmus wins Coach of the Year, eyes ‘next level’ rivalry against All Blacks in 2026

Leighton Koopman|Published

After a stellar 2025 season, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is celebrated as South Africa’s Coach of the Year at the SA Rugby Awards, but his focus quickly shifts ...

Casey Jarvis weathers the Stellenbosch storm to claim maiden SA Open victory

Leighton Koopman|Published

Amidst driving rain and lightning, Casey Jarvis defied the elements to secure his first SA Open title, showcasing remarkable resilience and skill in Stellenbosch. ...

SA Open set for tight finish on Sunday as Casey Jarvis holds narrow advantage in Stellenbosch

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the final round of the 115th South African Open tees off, local Casey Jarvis leads a thrilling chase for the title amidst a tightly packed leaderboard.

Casey Jarvis feeds off home crowd to take control of SA Open in testing conditions

Leighton Koopman|Published

The final round of the 115th South African Open at Stellenbosch promises excitement as rain looms over the competitors in Stellenbosch.

Watch VideoEllis Park derby: Mini-battles set to fuel Lions–Stormers URC SA Shield fight

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Lions face a crucial test against the Stormers at Ellis Park, aiming for their first South African Shield title in the URC. With several key matchups set to ...

Laporta leads into moving day with SA Open chasing pack hot in pursuit in Stellenbosch

Leighton Koopman|Published

Francesco Laporta, who considers South Africa his second home, leads the historic SA Open into moving day, aiming to become the first Italian to win the tournament. ...