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 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 VideoWATCH | THE LAST WORD ON RUGBY: Close but not quite for SA sides as Stormers left frustrated in Europe amid officiating debate ...

Leighton Koopman|Published

South African rugby franchises face frustration in European competitions as they exit the Champions and Challenge Cups.

Watch VideoCheslin Kolbe staying in Japan for now, with potential Stormers homecoming on the horizon

Leighton Koopman|Published

Cheslin Kolbe is set to remain in Japan, with his focus on seeing out his contract through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup despite links to the Stormers.

Watch VideoA step forward, a whistle back: SA teams’ European reality

Leighton Koopman|Published

Why do South African franchises send their best teams to Europe when they often face questionable officiating? We look at the Stormers' struggles in the Champions ...

Watch VideoSpringbok lock Ruan Nortjé to leave Bulls for Japan move at the end of the season

Leighton Koopman|Published

Ruan Nortjé, a key player for the Bulls, is set to leave Loftus Versfeld for a new chapter in Japan, marking the end of an era for the team.

Watch VideoDream to lead the Springboks: Mzwandile Stick backed for future Bok head coach role

Leighton Koopman|Published

Mzwandile Stick is poised to chase his dream of becoming the next Springbok head coach, with unwavering support from his agency as Rassie Erasmus leads until 2031. ...

Watch VideoURC 2026: Five uncapped stars pushing for Springbok honours as play-offs loom

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the United Rugby Championship enters its final stages, we look at five uncapped South African players, including Haashim Pead and Jurenzo Julius, who are fighting ...

Watch VideoThe Masters 2026: Aldrich Potgieter leads South African trio at Augusta National

Leighton Koopman|Published

PGA Tour winner Aldrich Potgieter, former champion Charl Schwartzel, and debutant Casey Jarvis carry South African hopes at the 90th edition of The Masters at Augusta. ...

Watch VideoLions sensation Haashim Pead set to join Roc Nation as global interest surges

Leighton Koopman|Published

Rugby star Haashim Pead is on the brink of a major career shift, with reports suggesting he will soon join Roc Nation Sports International, a move that could reshape ...

Watch VideoIt will always be home — Salmaan Moerat confirms Stormers exit for French giants La Rochelle

Leighton Koopman|Published

Salmaan Moerat's departure from the Stormers to La Rochelle marks the end of an era for the Cape side, as the club captain seeks new opportunities in France.

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 VideoFive things the Stormers must get right in Toulon to seal a Champions Cup quarter-final

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Stormers prepare for a critical Champions Cup clash against Toulon, they must overcome past frustrations and focus on five key areas to secure their place ...

Watch VideoJohan Ackermann names powerhouse Bulls side for Glasgow knockout clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Bulls are set to make a statement in the Champions Cup Round of 16, fielding a near full-strength Springbok-laden side against the Glasgow Warriors. With head ...

Watch VideoReinach, Dayimani set to give Stormers edge in must-win Toulon Champions Cup clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers could gain a crucial advantage in their Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Toulon with the potential return of experienced scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, ...

Watch VideoBulls brace for familiar Glasgow storm in Champions Cup knockout clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Bulls gear up for a crucial Champions Cup knockout match against the Glasgow Warriors, captain Marcell Coetzee shares insights on their strategy and determination ...

Watch VideoWATCH | THE LAST WORD ON RUGBY: SA teams caught between URC survival and European dreams

Leighton Koopman|Published

With the race for the URC Top 8 heating up, South African rugby franchises face a critical decision: prioritise playoff ambitions or pursue European knockout glory. ...

Watch VideoSnyman 2.0? Why JJ van der Mescht is the closest thing the Springboks have to The Viking

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Springboks look toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the case for Northampton Saints' JJ van der Mescht to mirror RG Snyman’s unique " Bomb Squad" ...

Watch VideoMarcell Coetzee explains why Bulls refused to rotate for Glasgow Champions Cup clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

As the Bulls gear up for a crucial Champions Cup knockout match against the Glasgow Warriors, captain Marcell Coetzee shares insights on their strategy and determination ...

Watch VideoStormers on high alert for ‘wounded’ Toulon in Champions Cup knockout test

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Stormers are set to face a formidable Toulon side this weekend, determined to maintain their winning momentum in the Champions Cup despite their opponents' current ...

Watch VideoNick Hatton calls for squad effort as Sharks chase Challenge Cup victory in Connacht

Leighton Koopman|Published

The Sharks face a daunting challenge in Galway as they aim to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup. With a shaky record against Connacht and ...

Watch VideoDobson admits nerves as Stormers turn it on late to crush Edinburgh in scrappy URC clash

Leighton Koopman|Published

In a thrilling encounter, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson faced mounting pressure as his team trailed 14-12 against Edinburgh, but a late surge secured a ...

Watch VideoURC state of play | SA teams eye strong play-off push after another unbeaten weekend

Leighton Koopman|Published

With the URC taking a break for the Champions Cup knockouts, South African franchises reassess their positions and prepare for crucial matches in the playoff race. ...

Watch VideoNo panic for Springboks despite another RG Snyman injury setback

Leighton Koopman|Published

RG Snyman's latest injury setback raises concerns, but the Springboks are well-prepared to navigate this challenge as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup. ...

Watch VideoStormers hit with another lock blow as Salmaan Moerat set for stint in France next season

Leighton Koopman|Published

Salmaan Moerat's potential move from the Stormers to La Rochelle marks a significant shift for the team, leaving them in search of a new lock with Ruben van Heerden ...