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
Dobson admits nerves as Stormers turn it on late to crush Edinburgh in scrappy URC clash
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 ...
URC state of play | SA teams eye strong play-off push after another unbeaten weekend
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. ...
No panic for Springboks despite another RG Snyman injury setback
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. ...
Stormers hit with another lock blow as Salmaan Moerat set for stint in France next season
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 ...
‘We must fix it’: John Dobson rues missed chances as Stormers grind past Edinburgh
Stormers head coach John Dobson expresses frustration over missed opportunities in their 33-14 victory against Edinburgh, as they aim to solidify their position ...
Stormers grind out bonus-point win over Edinburgh despite lacklustre URC display
In a tense URC clash, the Stormers edged past Edinburgh with a 33-14 victory, showcasing both brilliance and inconsistency on the field.
Scrums, song and sacrifice: Sazi Sandi’s journey to 50 Stormers caps
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 ...
Milestones aside, it’s all on the line for Bulls vs Munster in crucial URC clash at Loftus
Gerhard Steenekamp celebrates his 100th cap as the Bulls face Munster in a crucial URC clash, where playoff hopes hang in the balance.
Lions eye top-eight grip as Dragons face altitude test at Ellis Park
Despite the loss of Springbok duo Morné van den Berg and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, the Lions are expected to maintain their winning momentum in Saturday's URC clash. ...
Stormers gamble on Damian Willemse wing move ahead of Edinburgh URC clash
Will the Stormers' gamble on Damian Willemse's wing position pay off against Edinburgh? With a crucial match ahead, the team is banking on his skills to help secure ...
Stormers shock with Damian Willemse on the wing as Sazi Sandi reaches 50-cap milestone
The Stormers spring a selection surprise with Damian Willemse on the wing, while Sazi Sandi brings up his 50th cap in the clash with Edinburgh on Saturday.
No margin for error: How the Bulls can halt Munster in Pretoria to solidify URC Top 8 spot
It’s a make-or-break moment for the Bulls as they face Munster at Loftus Versfeld. With a chance to secure back-to-back victories, the stakes are high as they look ...
Dan du Plessis praises ‘tremendous’ captain Nel as Stormers hit stride in URC playoff push
With the URC playoffs in sight, Dan du Plessis praises Ruhan Nel's leadership as the Stormers look to extend their winning streak against Edinburgh this Saturday. ...
Sharks stick with winning formula for Cardiff URC clash in Durban
The Sharks are set to face Cardiff in a pivotal URC clash, with head coach JP Pietersen sticking to his winning formula after a decisive victory over Munster.
Not just good on paper: How Embrose Papier is pushing for a Springbok recall
With a wealth of scrumhalf talent in South Africa, Bulls star Embrose Papier is making a compelling case for a Springbok recall through his outstanding performances ...
Familiar faces, but Stormers won’t be distracted by Edinburgh’s returning Saffas in URC clash
As the Stormers prepare for a crucial URC clash against Edinburgh, they remain focused on their gameplan rather than the returning players, aiming to secure a top-two ...
WATCH | THE LAST WORD ON RUGBY: SA teams chase another clean sweep in URC playoff race
With a full house of 20 points secured, South African franchises are on a thrilling quest for URC playoff glory. They will look to maintain their momentum with four ...
Rusty Dan du Plessis expects ‘massive battle’ as Edinburgh arrive in Cape Town
Midfielder Dan du Plessis is eager to regain his form as the Stormers prepare for a crucial showdown against Edinburgh in the race to the URC playoffs.
Bulls face season-defining fortnight: Munster and Glasgow tests await Ackermann’s men
The Bulls enter a critical stretch of the 2026 season as they host a reinforced Munster side at Loftus Versfeld. With URC playoff spots tightening and a Champions ...
Lions warned against complacency ahead of Dragons URC clash at Ellis Park
The Lions must avoid the trap that nearly ensnared the Stormers when they host the Dragons in Johannesburg this Saturday. With a URC Top 8 spot on the line, Ivan ...
Five Stormers fringe players with everything to prove in friendly against Seawolves
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 ...
Second place on the line as Stormers chase maximum URC points against Dragons
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 ...
Blitzboks not done yet despite Sevens Series glory in New York
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 ...
'You need your 12 a bit unstable' — Ruhan Nel on Dan du Plessis' Stormers return for Dragons
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 ...
Lions expect 'desperate' Edinburgh to play an expansive brand of rugby at Ellis Park
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.