Matt Merritt
@inthecheapseats.co.uk
Semi-pro rugby fan. Ice hockey nerd (Toronto Maple Leafs/Belfast Giants). Theatre lover. Book hoarder. Shakespeare nut.
✍️🏼RugbyPass, World Rugby & more.
✍️🏼RugbyPass, World Rugby & more.
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/pub/pwrpoint/p…
https://open.substack.com/pub/pwrpoint/p…
October 16, 2025 at 6:09 AM
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/pub/pwrpoint/p…
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/pub/pwrpoint...
Not everything in women's rugby is rosy right now!
A stark reminder of the reality many players face
open.substack.com
September 30, 2025 at 12:36 PM
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/pub/pwrpoint...
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!
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
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
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.
pwrpoint.substack.com
September 29, 2025 at 6:05 AM
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!
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
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
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.
pwrpoint.substack.com
September 28, 2025 at 6:40 AM
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
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
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.
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.
August 7, 2025 at 12:12 PM
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.
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.
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!
Would quite like to just go and start my new thing now!
July 28, 2025 at 10:03 AM
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!
Would quite like to just go and start my new thing now!
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.
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.
June 22, 2025 at 8:17 AM
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.
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.
There are few signs that bring me as much joy as this...
Away for the next week, normal business resumes on the 16th.
Away for the next week, normal business resumes on the 16th.
June 7, 2025 at 7:11 PM
There are few signs that bring me as much joy as this...
Away for the next week, normal business resumes on the 16th.
Away for the next week, normal business resumes on the 16th.
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
sitinthecheapseats.blogspot.com/2025/05/full...
📸courtesy of Press Eye
May 21, 2025 at 2:11 PM
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
sitinthecheapseats.blogspot.com/2025/05/full...
📸courtesy of Press Eye
Hockey two nights in a row... I could get used to this.
May 20, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Hockey two nights in a row... I could get used to this.
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.
May 15, 2025 at 6:20 AM
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.
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
“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
May 14, 2025 at 6:10 PM
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
“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
If you see this, post a beach photo from your phone.
St Ives Harbour
St Ives Harbour
May 14, 2025 at 7:18 AM
If you see this, post a beach photo from your phone.
St Ives Harbour
St Ives Harbour
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...
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...
May 13, 2025 at 4:48 AM
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...
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...
thoroughly recommend giving this a listen!
🎧 ELITE PODCAST - DOWNLOAD IT NOW
David Simms was the first guest of the the Elite podcast.
Love him or loathe him, it’s worth a listen 😉
Subscribe to Elite here: ➡️ bit.ly/3YexL4u
Apple: ➡️ bit.ly/4jU6sFx
Spotify: ➡️ bit.ly/43jPqdZ
David Simms was the first guest of the the Elite podcast.
Love him or loathe him, it’s worth a listen 😉
Subscribe to Elite here: ➡️ bit.ly/3YexL4u
Apple: ➡️ bit.ly/4jU6sFx
Spotify: ➡️ bit.ly/43jPqdZ
May 9, 2025 at 8:46 AM
thoroughly recommend giving this a listen!
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
🕖 NEW ELITE DROPPING TOMORROW
🫡 A new coach at Manchester Storm
🏟️ Signings galore and the latest from Around the Rinks
🎧 Episode 1 of the Elite podcast with Dave Simms is out
⏰ All this coming your way at 7am tomorrow
📸 Mark Ferriss
🫡 A new coach at Manchester Storm
🏟️ Signings galore and the latest from Around the Rinks
🎧 Episode 1 of the Elite podcast with Dave Simms is out
⏰ All this coming your way at 7am tomorrow
📸 Mark Ferriss
May 8, 2025 at 7:57 AM
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
#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.
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.
May 7, 2025 at 5:13 PM
#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.
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.
big statement of intent from Sale!
Sale Sharks have confirmed the arrival of #RedRoses hooker Amy Cokayne.
Cokayne joins the Sharks from #PWR rivals Leicester Tigers ahead of the 25/26 season!
#WomensRugby
Cokayne joins the Sharks from #PWR rivals Leicester Tigers ahead of the 25/26 season!
#WomensRugby
May 7, 2025 at 11:43 AM
big statement of intent from Sale!
Reposted by Matt Merritt
🎧 TWO DAYS TO GO
The first episode of a brand new Elite podcast is coming as Dave Simms joins us to talk about his life in hockey and some other things too.
📆 Thursday at 7am
👉 Subscribe via Apple or Spotify 'Elite UK'
Subscribe to Elite: ➡️ bit.ly/3YexL4u
The first episode of a brand new Elite podcast is coming as Dave Simms joins us to talk about his life in hockey and some other things too.
📆 Thursday at 7am
👉 Subscribe via Apple or Spotify 'Elite UK'
Subscribe to Elite: ➡️ bit.ly/3YexL4u
May 6, 2025 at 9:51 AM
🎧 TWO DAYS TO GO
The first episode of a brand new Elite podcast is coming as Dave Simms joins us to talk about his life in hockey and some other things too.
📆 Thursday at 7am
👉 Subscribe via Apple or Spotify 'Elite UK'
Subscribe to Elite: ➡️ bit.ly/3YexL4u
The first episode of a brand new Elite podcast is coming as Dave Simms joins us to talk about his life in hockey and some other things too.
📆 Thursday at 7am
👉 Subscribe via Apple or Spotify 'Elite UK'
Subscribe to Elite: ➡️ bit.ly/3YexL4u
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
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
May 3, 2025 at 5:42 PM
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
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
Me being delighted by the result of the Canadian elections just because I'm off to Toronto for a few days in October...
a man wearing a canada jersey and a beanie is laughing
ALT: a man wearing a canada jersey and a beanie is laughing
media.tenor.com
April 29, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Me being delighted by the result of the Canadian elections just because I'm off to Toronto for a few days in October...
ah, what a game that was. Friday night lights and a big win.
On this day 2022 London Irish played Leicester Tigers in the semi final of the Premiership Cup at Brentford. Tries from Henry Arundell (2), Albert Tuiuse (2), Noel Reid, Ben Donnell, James Stokes, Lucio Cinti & Will Joseph + 6 conversions from Noel Reid, 1 from Jacob Atkins, gave Irish a 59-20 win.
April 29, 2025 at 8:39 AM
ah, what a game that was. Friday night lights and a big win.
Work day done and I'm on the sofa watching Team GB #icehockey take on Romania.
Fun game so far.
Fun game so far.
April 28, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Work day done and I'm on the sofa watching Team GB #icehockey take on Romania.
Fun game so far.
Fun game so far.
Open your ears, for which of you will stop
The vent of hearing when loud Rumour speaks?
#HenryIV part 2, #ShakespeareSunday
The vent of hearing when loud Rumour speaks?
#HenryIV part 2, #ShakespeareSunday
April 27, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Open your ears, for which of you will stop
The vent of hearing when loud Rumour speaks?
#HenryIV part 2, #ShakespeareSunday
The vent of hearing when loud Rumour speaks?
#HenryIV part 2, #ShakespeareSunday