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 VideoErrors prove costly as Stormers’ URC top-two hopes take a hit after Connacht loss

Leighton Koopman|Published

Stormers director John Dobson attributes their loss to Connacht to high error rates, as the team prepares for a crucial match against Glasgow in their fight for ...

Watch VideoError-strewn performance cost mourning Stormers in emotional Connacht URC clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers faced a heartbreaking defeat against Connacht in an emotionally charged URC clash, marred by errors and the recent loss of team manager Chippie Solomon. ...

Watch VideoGAME DAY | Emotion and pressure collide as Stormers host Connacht in crucial URC clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

With emotional farewells on the line, the Stormers prepare to face Connacht in a high-stakes URC clash that could define their playoff ambitions.

Watch VideoBulls target Welsh win as SA sides enter defining URC stretch

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Bulls prepare for a critical clash against the Dragons in Wales this coming Friday, can they turn their recent setbacks into a triumphant return to the URC? ...

Watch VideoStormers’ Champions Cup exit marred by controversial refereeing decisions

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers were left aggrieved by questionable refereeing in their narrow 28-27 defeat to Toulon in the Champions Cup, as defensive errors compounded their frustrations. ...

Watch VideoGAME DAY | Experience off the bench key for Stormers in humdinger Stade Mayol Champions Cup test

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers are set to challenge Toulon in a pivotal Champions Cup Round of 16 clash at Stade Mayol, with key players ready to make an impact.

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, ...