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
After a challenging season filled with injuries, Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse reflects on his journey back to form and his aspirations for a Springboks return. ...
As the Bulls and Stormers gear up for a crucial weekend in the United Rugby Championship, the stakes have never been higher in the race for the SA Shield title.
While the visitors arrive without a host of Springboks, the derby remains loaded with intrigue — including heavyweight scrums, Bok-versus-Bok clashes and a scrumhalf ...
Jon Rahm is set to make his much-anticipated debut in South Africa at the LIV Golf tournament in March, promising an electrifying atmosphere as he competes in front ...
The Lions’ season hinges on a six-game home stretch that could finally propel them into the URC playoffs. With momentum, squad depth and scheduling in their favour, ...
As the Lions prepare for a crucial URC derby against the Sharks, both teams are set for a clash of Test-match intensity at Ellis Park, with playoff implications ...
Hooker Vernon Paulo joins the Stormers, bringing his explosive talent and passion to the team. As the 24-year-old aims to bolster the No 2 jersey, he looks to make ...
The Bulls travel to Wellington with a star-studded 34-man squad aiming to balance game time and injury management against Boland as they reignite momentum ahead ...
With the SA Shield and a place in the Top 8 at stake, the Lions and Sharks meet at Ellis Park in a derby that could shape their URC campaigns.
The Springboks might shift their strategy this season by considering specialist fetchers for the No 6 jersey, as emerging talents showcase their skills in the United ...
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 ...
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 ...
As the Cape side prepare to face their arch-rivals in a pivotal North-South derby, wing Leolin Zas is confident the support of their crowd at DHL Stadium will get ...
Welcome to the exciting new podcast The Last Word On Rugby, presented by Independent Media Sport, that aims to bring more insights into the rugby sphere in SA and ...
There are enough experienced and young outside backs in Cape Town to take centre stage for the Stormers after the departure of Englishman Ben Loader later this year. ...
Currently fourth on the overall rankings, the Springbok Sevens will face a tough task to improve their position when they head to Canada for the second tournament ...
After a flyhalf disruption in their previous game against Leinster, the Stormers must strive for a more balanced replacements bench, especially amongst the backs. ...
It will quickly become a shouting fest if teams are constantly allowed to scream over the calls of their opponents when it comes to throwing the ball in at line-outs. ...
They made life difficult for themselves with some last-gasp victories, but the Springbok Sevens laid the perfect platform for the Perth Sevens tournament on Friday. ...
The Blitzboks will open their account Down Under at the Perth Sevens on Friday morning, looking to back up their excellent performance in the Cape Town Sevens last ...
The Durban side look to regain momentum as they face Cardiff Rugby in the United Rugby Championship (URC) following a heavy defeat in the Champions Cup.
Resting a couple of stars to keep them fresh for this duel could work in the Cape side’s favour as they look to challenge their high-flying opponents away from home. ...