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
Loftus home run: Bulls eye URC quarter-final after eight-try Zebre blitz
The Bulls are one win away from securing a home URC quarter-final following a dominant 54-19 victory over Zebre, with Benetton standing in their way this Saturday. ...
Frustrated Stormers turn attention to Cardiff after Ulster URC stalemate
After a frustrating 38-38 draw with Ulster, the Stormers are determined to seize their chance for a top-two finish in the URC as they prepare for a crucial clash ...
Lions fade late as Leinster power to bonus-point URC win in Dublin duel
In a gripping encounter, the Lions fought valiantly against Leinster in Dublin, but a late surge from the home side saw them secure a 31-7 victory.
GAME DAY | Lions and Leinster set for URC third-place showdown in Dublin
As the Lions face off against Leinster in Dublin, the stakes couldn't be higher. A victory could secure a vital third place in the URC standings, making this clash ...
Deon Fourie injury rocks Stormers ahead of URC play-offs
Veteran Deon Fourie's season hangs in the balance after a picking up a knee injury following a reckless clearout at a breakdown during a thrilling 38-38 draw with ...
Bulls banking on pace and power to overwhelm Zebre Parma at Loftus Versfeld
As the Bulls prepare to face Zebre Parma in a pivotal URC clash, they aim to leverage their speed and power to secure a vital victory at Loftus Versfeld.
Stormers fight back for crucial URC draw against Ulster in Belfast thriller
In a dramatic encounter in Belfast, the Stormers fought back to secure a 38-all draw against Ulster, showcasing resilience despite their struggles with discipline ...
GAME DAY | Stormers seek composed performance against Ulster to stay on course for URC top spot
The Stormers, riding high on their overseas success earlier in the season, face a crucial test against Ulster in Belfast. With the URC top spot at stake, will they ...
Handré Pollard benched, Willie le Roux at 10 in surprise Bulls shake-up for Zebre clash
The Bulls have reshuffled their starting line-up for Saturday's crucial URC clash against Zebre Parma, with Willie le Roux stepping in at flyhalf. Can this bold ...
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi took ‘massive pay cut’ to return to Stormers ahead of Rugby World Cup
Siya Kolisi, the Springbok captain, makes a heartfelt return to the Stormers, taking a significant pay cut to fulfil his dream of returning to his family and playing ...
Stormers ready to tackle familiar Ulster faces, wary of unknown SA-born back Wilhelm de Klerk
The Stormers are set to face Ulster in a crucial URC clash, wary of former teammates Juarno Augustus and Werner Kok, while the unknown factor of Wilhelm de Klerk ...
Deon Fourie demands consistency as Stormers hunt big away URC win against Ulster in Belfast
The Stormers are on a quest for victory against Ulster in Belfast, aiming to maintain their top position in the URC. With playoff implications on the line, they ...
Johan Ackermann faces key Canan Moodie call ahead of Zebre clash
Canan Moodie's return from injury could reshape the Bulls' backline as they prepare for a crucial URC clash against Zebre in Pretoria.
Deon Fourie takes charge as Stormers chase big URC win in Belfast
Deon Fourie steps in as captain for the Stormers in a thrilling URC showdown against Ulster in Belfast, aiming to secure a vital win and maintain their top position. ...
WATCH | THE LAST WORD ON RUGBY: Home advantage on the line for South Africa’s URC contenders
With only two rounds left in the United Rugby Championship, can South Africa's top teams secure home play-offs? The Stormers, Lions, and Bulls are all in contention, ...
Siya Kolisi reflects on Sharks’ URC disappointment ahead of Durban farewell
After a disappointing season, Sharks loose forward Siya Kolisi opens up about the team's struggles and his emotional farewell to Durban as they aim to finish strong ...
Stormers eye historic Belfast URC breakthrough against injury-hit Ulster
The Stormers face a crucial United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster on Friday, aiming to secure their first-ever win on Belfast soil.
Bulls focused on execution rather than altitude factor in Zebre clash at Loftus Versfeld
The Bulls are determined to secure victory over Zebre Parma in the United Rugby Championship by focusing on a disciplined performance rather than relying on altitude. ...
Sharks must back pups to do double Italian job at Kings Park in final URC matches
With play-off hopes dashed, the Sharks have a unique opportunity to develop their young talent in the final URC matches against Italian sides Benetton and Zebre. ...
URC play-off door wide open for the Lions, they must just walk through it
The Lions have historically faltered at the brink of the URC play-offs, but this season presents a chance to change their narrative. Can they finally secure their ...
Asenathi Ntlabakanye free to face Leinster and Munster amid doping case delay
Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will be available for the crucial URC tour of Ireland as the panel deliberates his alleged doping violation. A decision from SAIDS ...
Bulls set for Canan Moodie boost ahead of defining Zebre URC clash at Loftus
Bulls utility star Canan Moodie is back from injury just in time for a pivotal URC clash against Zebre Parma at Loftus Versfeld. With playoff hopes on the line, ...
Stormers first, Springboks later as Ntuthuku Mchunu eyes URC home play-off in Cape Town
Ntuthuku Mchunu draws inspiration from Springbok legends as he leads the Stormers scrum into a crucial URC play-off battle in Europe, aiming to secure a home advantage ...
Ntuthuko Mchunu’s rise gives Springboks a welcome headache at loosehead
After struggling with depth at loosehead, the Springboks now face a selection dilemma as Ntuthuko Mchunu's stellar performances in the United Rugby Championship ...
Stormers must look to early-season unbeaten form to seal URC top spot in final tour games
With two challenging European matches on the horizon, the Stormers must dominate the forwards' battle and backline control to secure their top spot in the URC. Facing ...