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
‘I don’t think I did much wrong’: Bogey-free Burmester rues missed putts in Hong Kong
Despite a bogey-free round, Dean Burmester's missed birdie opportunities left him two shots off the lead at LIV Golf Hong Kong, as he prepares for a crucial final ...
Conraad van Vuuren suspension adds to Lions’ front-row concerns ahead of crucial URC stretch
Lions prop Conraad van Vuuren has been handed a four-match suspension, that could be reduced to three, for a dangerous tackle in the derby against the Stormers, ...
‘It’s a privilege’: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu embraces Stormers pressure in URC
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the newly crowned South African URC Player of the Year, shares his thoughts on the pressure of playing for the Stormers and their quest ...
South African Dean Burmester stays in the hunt at LIV Hong Kong despite stiff neck troubles
Despite battling a stiff neck, South African golfer Dean Burmester mounts a remarkable comeback to tie for first place after day two of the LIV Golf Hong Kong tournament, ...
Rassie Erasmus wins Coach of the Year, eyes ‘next level’ rivalry against All Blacks in 2026
After a stellar 2025 season, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is celebrated as South Africa’s Coach of the Year at the SA Rugby Awards, but his focus quickly shifts ...
Déjà vu for Deon Davids as Springboks lock depth tested again ahead of Test season
As the new Springbok season kicks off, forwards coach Deon Davids grapples with familiar concerns over lock depth, echoing last year's challenges.
THE LAST WORD ON RUGBY PODCAST | The big talking points shaping the Springboks’ 2026 season
Discover how the Springboks are preparing for their 2026 season and what it means for their Rugby World Cup journey in our latest episode of The Last Word on Rugby. ...
Asenathi Ntlabakanye still firmly in Springbok plans despite looming doping hearing
Asenathi Ntlabakanye remains in the Springboks’ plans despite a looming doping hearing, with scrum coach Daan Human backing the Lions tighthead’s form and stressing ...
Grit and growth: Springboks' Rassie Erasmus applauds Lions’ attitude after URC Shield victory
The Lions have made waves in the United Rugby Championship by clinching their first-ever South African Shield title, drawing attention from Springbok coach Rassie ...
Tough to leave Leicester, but home was calling — Hanro Liebenberg on return to the Bulls
Hanro Liebenberg will return to the Bulls ahead of the 2026/27 season, ending a decorated seven-year stint with Leicester Tigers in England.
You see the hair, then the tackle — Duane Vermeulen on England’s new star Henry Pollock
Duane Vermeulen jokes about a potential comeback for the Springboks against England, aiming to introduce Henry Pollock to the rigours of rugby with a few tackles. ...
Casey Jarvis bags a cool R4.1 million in Stellenbosch after maiden SA Open triumph
Amidst dramatic weather conditions, 22-year-old Casey Jarvis emerged victorious at the 115th South African Open Championship, claiming R4.1 million.
Rassie Erasmus begins 2027 World Cup build-up as 49-man Springbok camp kicks off
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has welcomed 11 uncapped players to his first alignment camp of 2026, stressing that while the 2027 World Cup is the goal, immediate focus ...
From the tee box into the fynbos: My shot at beating the pro at the SA Open
Facing a professional golfer at the SA Open is no easy feat. Join Independent Media's rugby reporter Leighton Koopman as he recounts his experience on the Par 3 ...
Casey Jarvis sets sights on Augusta and Royal Birkdale after dream SA Open triumph
Casey Jarvis, the newly crowned South African Open champion, is set to make his dream debut at The Masters in just 38 days, aiming to compete alongside his idol, ...
Casey Jarvis weathers the Stellenbosch storm to claim maiden SA Open victory
Amidst driving rain and lightning, Casey Jarvis defied the elements to secure his first SA Open title, showcasing remarkable resilience and skill in Stellenbosch. ...
SA Open set for tight finish on Sunday as Casey Jarvis holds narrow advantage in Stellenbosch
As the final round of the 115th South African Open tees off, local Casey Jarvis leads a thrilling chase for the title amidst a tightly packed leaderboard.
Casey Jarvis feeds off home crowd to take control of SA Open in testing conditions
The final round of the 115th South African Open at Stellenbosch promises excitement as rain looms over the competitors in Stellenbosch.
Ellis Park derby: Mini-battles set to fuel Lions–Stormers URC SA Shield fight
The Lions face a crucial test against the Stormers at Ellis Park, aiming for their first South African Shield title in the URC. With several key matchups set to ...
Laporta leads into moving day with SA Open chasing pack hot in pursuit in Stellenbosch
Francesco Laporta, who considers South Africa his second home, leads the historic SA Open into moving day, aiming to become the first Italian to win the tournament. ...
JD Schickerling leads Stormers as Feinberg-Mngomezulu zeros in at 10 for Lions URC clash
Lock JD Schickerling steps into the captaincy for the Stormers as they face the Lions at Ellis Park, allowing flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to concentrate on ...
Italian golfer Andrea Pavan 'can walk and talk' after falling down lift shaft before SA Open
After a strong second round at the SA Open, Italian Francesco Laporta expresses relief over Andrea Pavan's recovery after a shocking lift accident ahead of the tournament. ...
THE LAST WORD ON RUGBY PODCAST | Rassie Erasmus sends clear message with bold Springboks alignment camp squad
Rassie Erasmus named a bold 49-man Springboks squad, sparking questions about the future of veterans like Willie le Roux.
Four-way tie at 115th SA Open sets up crucial day two in Stellenbosch
Excitement builds at the 115th South African Open as four players are locked in a thrilling tie for first place, setting the stage for a dramatic day two in the ...
Rough justice: SA Open delivers early reality check at brutal Stellenbosch Golf Club
Former champion Dean Burmester thrived while several big names stumbled as wind and rough dominated the opening round of the South African Open at Stellenbosch.