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
Costly quarter-final: Stormers lose Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu ahead of URC semis
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's serious ankle injury leaves the Stormers reeling ahead of their crucial URC semi-final, with Ddrector of rugby John Dobson expressing ...
Stormers march into URC semi-finals after bruising battle with Cardiff
In a gripping encounter, the Stormers battled to a 44-21 victory over Cardiff, securing their place in the URC semi-finals. Despite a slow start, their second-half ...
GAME DAY: All eyes on Cape Town as Stormers chase URC semi-final spot against Cardiff
With home advantage and a near full-strength side, the Stormers face Cardiff in a crucial URC quarter-final, seeking revenge after their recent league defeat.
Why Kwagga Smith’s injury could benefit the Springboks long-term
With Kwagga Smith sidelined for the season, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus faces a unique opportunity to explore new talent in the loose forward position. This injury ...
Stormers ‘under no illusions’ about Cardiff threat in URC knockout, says captain Ruhan Nel
As the Stormers gear up for a crucial URC quarter-final against Cardiff, captain Ruhan Nel stresses the importance of avoiding complacency after their recent defeat. ...
Stormers ready for Cardiff URC quarter-final clash after dramatic week in camp
The Stormers' intense preparations for their United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Cardiff have been filled with drama, from training-ground incidents ...
Willemse, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Zas all cleared as Stormers gear up for Cardiff quarter-final
The Stormers make strategic changes to their starting lineup as they prepare for a high-stakes quarter-final against Cardiff in Cape Town, with captain Ruhan Nel ...
Lions must learn from Bordeaux masterclass against Leinster to make fist of URC quarter-final
The Lions face a daunting challenge in their first-ever URC quarter-final against Leinster. To succeed, they must adopt the tactical brilliance displayed by Bordeaux ...
Six Springbok hopefuls with everything to prove in the URC play-offs
The URC play-offs will offer South Africa’s fringe Springbok contenders a valuable chance to impress under pressure, with several standout performers looking to ...
Stormers counting on 'instinct and connection' to trouble Cardiff in URC quarter-final battle
With their playoff hopes on the line, can the Stormers' dynamic halfback duo of Imad Khan and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu outsmart Cardiff in the URC quarter-finals? ...
WATCH | THE LAST WORD ON RUGBY: Lions, Bulls and Stormers chase URC final four places
Three South African teams stand on the brink of the URC semi-finals as the Lions, Bulls and Stormers prepare for defining play-off clashes in the tournament.
JC Pretorius ready for special 50-cap milestone in Lions’ URC quarter-final in Dublin
JC Pretorius, a former Springbok Sevens star, is on the brink of a significant milestone as he prepares to earn his 50th cap for the Lions in their historic URC ...
Imad Khan eager to steer Stormers’ quarter-final push in Cobus Reinach’s absence
Stormers youngster Imad Khan faces his biggest test yet in the URC quarter-finals against Cardiff, stepping up in the absence of World Cup winner Cobus Reinach.
Stormers dealt potential blow as Leolin Zas limps out of training ahead of Cardiff quarter-final
The Stormers may face a significant setback as Leolin Zas suffers a knee injury in training, raising doubts about his availability for the crucial URC quarter-final ...
Lions slam ‘ugly’ Irish criticism of Jacques Nienaber ahead of URC quarter-final battle against Leinster
Amidst mounting criticism from Irish supporters following a heavy defeat, Jacques Nienaber finds unexpected backing from the Lions as they prepare for a pivotal ...
Lions focused on taking chances in Dublin URC quarter-final showdown with Leinster
The Lions are gearing up for their first-ever URC knockout match against Leinster, knowing they must make every scoring opportunity count. With crucial training ...
Stormers transfer analysis: Why Cheslin Kolbe signing cannot be the last for Cape side
While Cheslin Kolbe’s arrival boosts the wings, the Stormers’ defensive frailty during Ruhan Nel's absence proves John Dobson urgently needs a long-term number 13. ...
Lions hopeful over key trio ahead of historic URC quarter-final against Leinster
The Lions are gearing up for a pivotal URC quarter-final against Leinster, with hopes high that captain Francke Horn and key players Henco van Wyk and Quan Horn ...
URC quarter-finals: Five areas the Stormers must nail against Cardiff to power into semis
The Stormers seek revenge against Cardiff in the URC quarter-finals, but they must address key shortcomings to secure a semi-final spot.
Lions’ URC play-off hopes hang in the balance ahead of Munster showdown
The race for the URC play-offs intensifies as the Lions prepare for a decisive clash against Munster. With their qualification hanging in the balance, every moment ...
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 ...