A product of Hoerskool Outeniqua, Leighton Eksteen first represented the SWD Eagles at the 2012 Craven Week, scoring an impressive try against Western Province.

After leaving school, he stayed loyal to his home union and joined the SWD Academy, going on to score 76 points in only four games for the Eagles U19 team. Following just two appearances for the Eagles U21 squad (where he scored 21 points in a single match), Eksteen was selected for the SWD Eagles Senior Currie Cup squad.
He appeared in all six of their matches during the 2015 Currie Cup qualification series, showing his versatility as he started two games each at scrumhalf, fullback and twice played off the bench. In the 2015 Currie Cup First Division, Eksteen was handed the kicking duties, leading SWD to four victories in their five matches, with a personal tally of 102 points (topping the points scoring table).
Despite the Eagles losing to the Leopards in the final of the competition, Eksteen was rewarded for his consistent form with selection to the Southern Kings 2016 Super Rugby squad.
Rugby Career
2016: Southern Kings (Super Rugby)
2014 – 2015: SWD Eagles (U21 Currie Cup, Currie Cup First Division, Vodacom Cup)
2012 – 2013: SWD Eagles (U19 Currie Cup)
2012: SWD Eagles (U18 Craven Week)