iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 17/07/2026

Week on Vancouver booked for February, it will be wet and it will probably be cold, but I am so excited to explore a new city!

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 01/07/2026

Happy Canada Day to all my friends and followers who celebrate. Someone have a Moosehead and a beaver tail for me!

static.klipy.com

Canada Day: Woman Waving Flag

ALT: Canada Day: Woman Waving Flag

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 29/06/2026

Been a while since I last logged in over here... is it still a welcome relief from the cess pools elsewhere on social media?

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 20/02/2026

Haven't been over here in a while. The other site seems to be ever more a cesspool, but it still seems very quiet over here on the Blue side...

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 30/11/2025

It's been a long time since I last did a #ShakespeareSunday post, but when waking up to this view it would seem silly not to!

A view of the Swan theatre and river Avon through the window of a room at the Arden Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 16/10/2025

My latest #PWRPoint is live now sharing a few of the new faces in the league to be excited about for the coming season. open.substack.com/pub/pwrpoint/p…

open.substack.com

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 30/09/2025

Some of you may have seen former Lightning player Abby Duguid's post on Instagram this morning. It inspired me to write a little post... open.substack.com/pub/pwrpoint...

open.substack.com

Not everything in women's rugby is rosy right now!

A stark reminder of the reality many players face

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 29/09/2025

A huge thank you to everyone who has already subscribed. Currently working on a few ideas for the next couple of weeks as we wait for the season to start!

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 28/09/2025

There's a dearth of written coverage of the PWR, and that will only become more obvious as journalists who covered the Rugby World Cup all disappear now the tournament is over. To help plug the gap I'll be writing regularly on a new substack, and I'd love you to check it out! pwrpoint.substack.com

pwrpoint.substack.com

PWR Point | Matt Merritt | Substack

Previews, reviews and insight into the PWR. Click to read PWR Point, by Matt Merritt, a Substack publication. Launched 18 minutes ago.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 07/08/2025

A few people, across various platforms, have asked me where I'll be working for the Rugby World Cup in a few weeks. Unfortunately the work I was expecting to pick up has fallen through, so I won't be out and about at games, but I'll enjoy the tournament from my sofa.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 28/07/2025

Ever have that feeling, when you are coming to the end of a job and just turning up each day feels like a herculean effort? Would quite like to just go and start my new thing now!

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 22/06/2025

Went to see Jon Batiste last night as part of Meltdown Festival. Honestly one of the most impactful concerts I have ever seen. The man is phenomenal and the way he melds genres (and songs) has to be witnessed to be understood.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 07/06/2025

There are few signs that bring me as much joy as this... Away for the next week, normal business resumes on the 16th.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 21/05/2025

The full roster for @Adam27Keefe's testimonial is now in place, featuring current and former @BelfastGiants, some NHL stars and a few family members too. sitinthecheapseats.blogspot.com/2025/05/full... 📸courtesy of Press Eye

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 20/05/2025

Hockey two nights in a row... I could get used to this.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 16/05/2025

P.O. Morin departs Belfast Giants for Bordeaux Boxers. A classy operator and level head on the ice, he'll be missed in Belfast. #EIHL

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 15/05/2025

Struggled to get invested in any excitement about the Maple Leafs playoff run... but at least that means I'm less upset about last night's result.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 14/05/2025

Jack Jacome returns for a second season at Guildford Flames. “He is a guy who puts every bit of energy that he has into every moment of every shift and he generates a lot of success just on sheer effort.” - head coach Paul Dixon #EIHL 📸: John Uwins

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 14/05/2025

If you see this, post a beach photo from your phone. St Ives Harbour

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 13/05/2025

I wrote a thing for RugbyPass and it's Lions related (sorry). My take on what a women's British & Irish Lions starting 15 might look like based on performances is in this year's 6 Nations. www.rugbypass.com/news/who-wou...

Zoe Harrison in a photoshopped Lions shirt

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 09/05/2025

thoroughly recommend giving this a listen!

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 08/05/2025

Just listened to the Dave Simms interview and it's very good. A divisive figure on Twitter (at least he was before I left that platform) but he knows his stuff about the #EIHL

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 07/05/2025

#EIHL fans... Hit me up with podcast suggestions. I'm looking to add some more for next season. I already listen to AVFTB, @door14hockey.bsky.social , EIHL Face-Off and am excited about the new pod incoming from @elitemedia.bsky.social but it never hurts to have more options.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 07/05/2025

big statement of intent from Sale!

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 03/05/2025

At the Old Vic tonight to see The Brightening Air. I love Connor McPherson's plays, his dialogue is musical. This play stars Chris O'Dowd but I'm most excited to see the brilliant Rosie Sheehy. #theatre

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 29/04/2025

Me being delighted by the result of the Canadian elections just because I'm off to Toronto for a few days in October...

media.tenor.com

a man wearing a canada jersey and a beanie is laughing

ALT: a man wearing a canada jersey and a beanie is laughing

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 29/04/2025

ah, what a game that was. Friday night lights and a big win.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 28/04/2025

Work day done and I'm on the sofa watching Team GB #icehockey take on Romania. Fun game so far.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 27/04/2025

Open your ears, for which of you will stop The vent of hearing when loud Rumour speaks? #HenryIV part 2, #ShakespeareSunday

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 26/04/2025

Due to an accreditation issue (I didn't do my request properly...) I'm watching the Red Roses take on France from my dining room table. It loses something in terms of atmosphere but it does make it easier to nip for a drink or an ice cream.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 25/04/2025

EIHL season is over, last weekend of the women's six nations... what am I going to do with my weekends now?

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 16/04/2025

The evolution of Premier 15s into the PWR has brought about many good things... Incrilementally better rugby, more exciting fixtures and increased coverage. Not all change is progress though and I, for one, think the Player of The Match awards peaked way back when they gave these out!

Vicki Cornborough of Harlequins with a giant crisp packet.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 15/04/2025

@bloodandmud.bsky.social / @joshgardner.bsky.social lovely niche Bedford fact on this week's pod. Top work. I've seen a couple of international games there for that reason. Red Roses v Italy in autumn 2019 & men's u20s v Italy where a lonely looking Harry Mallinder watched from the bar...

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 15/04/2025

Will have another Belfast Giants interview available later this week, ahead of the EIHL playoff semi finals on Saturday. This should be a fun one. 📸 William Cherry, Press Eye

David Goodwin of the Belfast Giants protects the puck from a Dundee Stars player

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 13/04/2025

Playoffs second leg and if last night is anything to go by, a fiery game ahead as Dundee Stars host Belfast Giants.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 12/04/2025

Aimée-Leigh Costigan is so bloody good!

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 12/04/2025

Thought the Red Roses would make me eat my words there, but Ireland absolutely shut down that attack.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 12/04/2025

All set up in the "office" for Ireland v England in the Women's Six Nations.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 10/04/2025

Delighted to have discussed all things Belfast Giants with Jeff Baum yesterday. Great to hear how the team are feeling after a gruelling season and with playoffs still to come. sitinthecheapseats.blogspot.com/2025/04/if-i... ----- #belfastgiants #eihl

Jeff Baum of the Belfast Giants collects his league winner's medal

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 09/04/2025

Did a little interview with a Belfast Giants player today that I'll be publishing tomorrow. Nice to be doing something a little different with my writing

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 07/04/2025

Dave Ward leaves Bristol Bears Women for a new opportunity. They are, undoubtedly, in a better position than he inherited and he'll be held in high regard by fans. Will be interesting to see what steps they take to replace him.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 07/04/2025

Is anyone I know actually using this yet? Looks solid but as if there isn't much content...

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 01/04/2025

Some new EIHL coverage is never a bad thing, looking forward to reading the first edition!

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Reposted by Matt Merritt

HitchikersPie @hitchikerspie.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Here's what I had done, adding in the 275k figure quoted. Though I also have the maximum total capacity at around 516k:

Comparing Women's Football Euros 2022 with Women's Rugby World Cup 2025

Women's '22 Euros with capacity and attendance data

Women's Rugby World Cup '25 data, with capacity data. Games highlighted in yellow represent double headers, whose capacity hasn't been doubled counted.

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Matt Merritt @inthecheapseats.co.uk · 26/03/2025

A very nice signing for Chiefs.

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Reposted by Matt Merritt

jD @thehippods.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

This week on TTHTop40 #612: Song 29 🎶 Join me and special guest Dan from Ottawa as we break down Song 29. We dig into his love for The Hip, his journey with the tribute band Little Bones, and the lasting magic of the music that brought us all together. ✨ Don’t miss it— kite.link/Song29

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