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 The Springboks will need a far tougher opener against the Barbarians to properly sharpen their breakdown work, defence and physical edge ahead of the Nations Championship … Very few rugby-playing nations will come close to the depth that South Africa possess as the World Champions are set to start the new season with a camp in Cape … In a gripping encounter at Ellis Park, the Lions edged past the Stormers with a 30-23 victory, showcasing their attacking prowess and strategic decision-making The Lions secured a vital 30-23 victory over the Stormers at Ellis Park, ending their six-match losing streak against the Cape side while showcasing their attacking …

The run of home games in the United Rugby Championship they have after the next two local derbies in Gauteng makes the Cape side hopeful that they can still reach … The Bulls, with their scrum on the front foot, made crucial scores at the start and in the second half against the Stormers to seal a first United Rugby Championship … After December’s clash against the Sharks that filled Cape Town Stadium to the brim, it’s expected that the fewer than 4 000 remaining tickets will be scooped up …

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Despite several senior backs not being fit, Stormers will look to lay the foundation with their forwards to bag a win over arch-rivals the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium … The Stormers will look to continue their unbeaten home record against the Bulls, while striving for a much-needed victory to boost their playoff hopes. The South African Rugby Union will initiate a comprehensive financial review to secure the sport’s sustainable future following a failed deal with an overseas equity … After having an abundance of locks at the start of the season, the Cape side suddenly find themselves in a spot of bother when it comes to fit second-rowers available …

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