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 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. ...

Watch VideoEXCLUSIVE | Sharks star Jordan Hendrikse refocused on Springboks dream after ‘broken down’ season

Leighton Koopman|Published

After a challenging season filled with injuries, Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse reflects on his journey back to form and his aspirations for a Springboks return. ...

Watch VideoBulls and Stormers rejoin the URC action as teams face crucial weekend in SA Shield race

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Bulls and Stormers gear up for a crucial weekend in the United Rugby Championship, the stakes have never been higher in the race for the SA Shield title.

Watch VideoBruising battles await as Lions and Sharks collide at Ellis Park with URC SA Shield at stake

Leighton Koopman|Published

While the visitors arrive without a host of Springboks, the derby remains loaded with intrigue — including heavyweight scrums, Bok-versus-Bok clashes and a scrumhalf ...

Jon Rahm looks forward to ‘special, rowdy atmosphere’ at LIV Golf South Africa debut

Leighton Koopman|Published

Jon Rahm is set to make his much-anticipated debut in South Africa at the LIV Golf tournament in March, promising an electrifying atmosphere as he competes in front ...

Horn highlights strategic kicking as Lions beat Stormers

Leighton Koopman|Published

In a gripping encounter at Ellis Park, the Lions edged past the Stormers with a 30-23 victory, showcasing their attacking prowess and strategic decision-making

Watch VideoLions secure first home URC victory over Stormers

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Lions secured a vital 30-23 victory over the Stormers at Ellis Park, ending their six-match losing streak against the Cape side while showcasing their attacking ...

Blommetjies misses late conversion as fighting Stormers go down to Hanekom-inspired Bulls

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Bulls, with their scrum on the front foot, made crucial scores at the start and in the second half against the Stormers to seal a first United Rugby Championship ...

Matthee starts as injury-ridden Stormers shake up backline for massive Bulls showdown

Leighton Koopman|Published

Despite several senior backs not being fit, Stormers will look to lay the foundation with their forwards to bag a win over arch-rivals the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium ...

WATCH: Dive into the heart of South African rugby with The Last Word On Rugby podcast

Leighton Koopman|Published

Welcome to the exciting new podcast The Last Word On Rugby, presented by Independent Media Sport, that aims to bring more insights into the rugby sphere in SA and ...

Injury woes and scrum struggles: Stormers fall to Leinster

Leighton Koopman|Published

Stormers face another away defeat as Leinster capitalises on injury setbacks and scrum issues, leaving the Cape side in need of urgent improvements.

Stormers look for first win in Dublin as several stars return

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Cape side are looking to maintain their unbeaten run against Irish powerhouse Leinster when the two sides square up tonight in Dublin.

Manie Libbok, Warrick Gelant back as Deon Fourie takes charge of Stormers for tough Leinster test

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers will look to harness the winning momentum picked up during their December home matches in the United Rugby Championship against Leinster in Dublin. ...

Blitzboks make perfect start with two thrilling wins at Perth Sevens

Leighton Koopman|Published

They made life difficult for themselves with some last-gasp victories, but the Springbok Sevens laid the perfect platform for the Perth Sevens tournament on Friday. ...