16 May 2026 | Estonian Rugby Union
The Estonia Women’s rugby team played their historic first 15-a-side international match on Saturday, 16 May in Tiskre, losing to Latvia 5–100. Despite the result, this was a landmark moment in the development of women’s rugby in Estonia — a development squad took the field, the majority of whom have been playing rugby for less than two years.
Estonia’s only try was scored by vice-captain Destiny Moses, who continues her impressive international career — her points tally now stands at 48. Notably, Estonia’s women managed to score in their first-ever XV match, while the men’s team has yet to score against opponents in the current season.
A promising performance despite the scoreline
Latvia are a significantly more experienced side in Women’s XV rugby, and the large points margin should not lead to hasty conclusions. The context of Estonia’s development squad speaks for itself: players’ rugby experience ranges from one month to four years, with many discovering the sport through social media or a friend’s invitation. Estonia’s women’s rugby story extends far beyond the points scored in any single match — every player on the pitch is proof of the sport’s growth.
In 2022, Estonia competed at their first international 7s tournament with just 9 players. On Saturday a 21-player squad was on the field and the programme now has 45 active players. The team’s growth speaks for itself.
Head Coach Graham Smith
“I am incredibly proud of the squad. This was their first XV international and they gave absolutely everything. Latvia are a more experienced opponent, but our players showed grit, team spirit and determination — a fantastic foundation to build from. Destiny Moses’ try was an important moment for the team — it showed we can score at this level. This is just the beginning.”
Final squad
1. Keit Lutsar | 2. Kai-Liis Kalmus | 3. Diana Käbi | 4. Laura Renke | 5. Katrin Silde (captain) | 6. Montaine Sicard-Wiss* | 7. Jill Lundstrom (vice-captain) | 8. Lucy Darby* | 9. Hanna-Laura Vaher | 10. Destiny Moses (vice-captain) — try | 11. Annabel Ventonen | 12. Mialeene Jahnke | 13. Kadri Masso | 14. Agnes Jürison | 15. Anet Maripuu | 17. Kairit Pärn | 18. Hanna Hõim | 19. Siiri Talvistu | 20. Erika Helmelaid | 21. Grete-Marleen Tarmu | 22. Kädi-Liis Bäärt
* Estonia resident and Tallinna Kalev player — international eligibility in process.
Youngest: Grete-Marleen Tarmu & Kädi-Liis Bäärt (both 19) | Most experienced: Jill Lundstrom (14 seasons in rugby) | Shortest rugby career in squad: Erika Helmelaid (1 month)
Player profiles: available here
Photo gallery: View photos
Media contact: Paul Davidson | teamestonia@ragbi.ee | +37254005260